Is high blood pressure severe during pregnancy? Does high blood pressure in pregnant women have an impact on both the mother and the baby? With these questions in mind, I will reveal the answers for you.
The causes of high blood pressure in pregnant women
With the average age of childbirth being pushed back, the chances of pregnant women experiencing various internal complications during pregnancy have increased.
Among them, pregnancy-induced hypertension is a group of diseases specific to pregnancy, which severely affects the health of both the mother and the baby, with a global incidence rate ranging from 2% to 8%.
Previously, the occurrence of hypertension had a certain correlation with the seasons, with a higher likelihood during colder seasons.
In recent years, due to changes in diet structure and lifestyle, the seasonal variation in the occurrence of hypertension has become less apparent.
High-risk groups for hypertension in pregnant women
Generally speaking, pregnant women aged ≥40, with a first-trimester BMI (body mass index) ≥35 kg/square meter, and an interpregnancy interval ≥10 years;
Pregnant women with a family history of hypertension (especially the mother and sisters), as well as pregnant women with rheumatoid immune-related diseases, are more likely to develop hypertension during pregnancy.
It has been reported that for patients with a weight ≥100 kg, reducing their weight by 10 kg can lower systolic blood pressure by 5-20 mmHg. Therefore, maintaining a normal weight during preconception is important for preventing hypertension.
Is treatment necessary for hypertension during pregnancy?
For pregnant women, increased blood pressure can lead to ischemia and hypoxia in important organs such as the brain, liver, kidneys, and heart, resulting in conditions such as preeclampsia, placental abruption, and abnormal liver and kidney function.
For the fetus, it can lead to restricted growth, drug-induced malformations, and kidney abnormalities, making timely treatment necessary.
