Hypertension in pregnancy can harm pregnant women and their fetuses. Therefore, it is important to know what are the causes of hypertension in pregnancy so that this condition can be prevented and treated appropriately.
Hypertension in pregnancy is a condition when the blood pressure of pregnant women is above 140/90 mmHg. It is estimated that around 5-10% of pregnant women worldwide experience hypertension during pregnancy. This condition usually appears around 20 weeks of gestation, but can also appear earlier.
Various Causes of Hypertension in Pregnancy
High blood pressure during pregnancy can be caused by various conditions, namely:
1. Chronic hypertension
Chronic hypertension is high blood pressure that has occurred before pregnancy or before 20 weeks of gestation. This condition is often asymptomatic, so many pregnant women do not realize that they have chronic hypertension.
Chronic hypertension in pregnant women is often only detected when pregnant women undergo obstetrical examinations.
2. Chronic hypertension with preeclampsia
If chronic hypertension is not treated properly, pregnant women can develop preeclampsia. This condition is characterized by high blood pressure accompanied by protein in the urine.
Chronic hypertension with preeclampsia usually occurs in the second or third trimester of pregnancy.
3. Gestational hypertension
Gestational hypertension is an increase in blood pressure that occurs after 20 weeks of gestation. This increase in blood pressure is generally not accompanied by the presence of protein in the urine or organ damage.
In pregnant women who experience this condition, blood pressure usually returns to normal after delivery.
4. Preeclampsia
Hypertension in pregnancy that is not well controlled can develop into preeclampsia. In addition to the presence of protein in the urine, preeclampsia can also be accompanied by damage to organ systems, such as the kidneys, liver, blood, or brain. Preeclampsia usually causes pregnant women to experience the following symptoms:
- Frequent headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Swelling of the face and hands
- Hard to breathe
- Blurred vision
- Blood pressure rises rapidly
There are several factors that can increase the risk of pregnant women to experience preeclampsia, including:
- First pregnancy
- Age over 40 years old
- History of preeclampsia in previous pregnancies
- Family history of preeclampsia
- Pregnant with more than one fetus or pregnant with twins, both twins or more
- Obesity
- Autoimmune disease
Although rare, preeclampsia can also be experienced by women after giving birth or it is also called postpartum preeclampsia.
5. Eclampsia
Eclampsia is a continuation of preeclampsia that is not controlled or not handled properly. Eclampsia is the most severe type of hypertension in pregnancy. In addition to high blood pressure, pregnant women with this condition also experience seizures, even coma.
Various Dangers of Hypertension in Pregnancy
Hypertension in pregnancy that is not handled properly, not only endangers the pregnant woman, but also the fetus. The following are the various effects of hypertension in pregnancy that need to be watched out for:
Fetal growth is stunted
When blood flow to the placenta is reduced, the fetus does not get enough oxygen and nutrients. This can cause stunted fetal growth and low birth weight.
Premature birth
If the condition of hypertension in pregnancy worsens, the doctor will suggest premature birth of the baby by induction or caesarean section. This is done to prevent eclampsia and other complications.
Placental abruption
Placental abruption is a condition when the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery. This can cause placental damage and heavy bleeding.
Cardiovascular disease
Preeclampsia can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease after delivery, such as heart disease and stroke. This risk will be higher if the mother gave birth prematurely. However, this risk can be reduced with medication and a healthy lifestyle.
In addition, uncontrolled hypertension in pregnancy can also cause damage to body organs, such as the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver. In severe cases, this condition can also lead to death of the mother and baby.
How to Treat Hypertension in Pregnancy
Hypertension in pregnancy is a condition that must always be monitored by a doctor. Therefore, it is important for every pregnant woman to regularly check her pregnancy to the obstetrician according to the schedule.
To treat hypertension in pregnancy, the doctor will give blood pressure-lowering drugs. The drugs that the doctor chooses are generally adjusted to the conditions of the pregnancy so as not to have an impact on the fetus.
When getting hypertension treatment from a doctor, remember to take the drug according to the dosage and doctor's instructions. Do not stop taking or change the dose without the supervision of a doctor.
Also avoid taking drugs or herbal supplements that are believed to lower blood pressure, especially if there is no clear scientific evidence.
Pregnant women are also advised to exercise regularly, eat nutritious food, get enough rest, and manage stress well. In addition, avoid smoking and consuming alcoholic beverages.
So that the various effects of hypertension in pregnancy can be prevented, it is important for pregnant women to undergo routine examinations to the obstetrician. That way, the health condition of pregnant women and fetuses can be continuously monitored.