Facts on Pregnancy & High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure during pregnancy--also called toxemia, pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) or preeclampsia--can be caused by a shallow implantation of a fetus, the mother's improper nutrition or heart problems. Some women have high blood pressure even when they're not pregnant, and so they need to understand the risks of high blood pressure to their fetus and how to manage high blood pressure during pregnancy. Left unchecked, this can develop into a dangerous situation for the baby and mother alike.

Symptoms

It is normal for blood pressure to fluctuate at times, and the increased blood volume of pregnancy can certainly take its toll on the mother's body. In addition to using a standard blood pressure cuff to check for high blood pressure, doctors look for ankle and hand swelling, dizzy spells, headaches, visual problems, rapid weight gain, and spilling of protein into the urine at every visit. If you experience these symptoms, let your doctor know.

Dangers of High Blood Pressure & Pregnancy

High blood pressure in pregnancy endangers the fetus and the mother. For mothers, high blood pressure can cause damage to the liver, kidney, heart and even sudden, permanent blindness. For the fetus, it might lead to death, stillbirth and brain damage. High blood pressure must be monitored and dealt with via medications, dietary changes or early removal of the fetus, either by induction or surgery.

Shallow Implantations

When the fertilized egg implants in the lining of the uterus, it's similar to planting a seed shallowly in the ground. Where a seed would grow roots, the uterus develops a network of veins that feeds nutrients into the placenta, to be fed to the baby via the umbilical cord. When the egg is planted too shallowly in the uterine wall, the network of veins malfunctions, which can cause high blood pressure for the mother. Shallow implantation, which is generally diagnosed about mid-way through the pregnancy, can even lead to miscarriage. Women experiencing shallow implantations generally wind up in bed and deliver premature babies.

Nutritional Factors

Many women with preeclampsia and toxemia report having diets that are high in processed foods and therefore low in actual nutrition. Prenatal vitamins don't provide every nutrient women need, and some foods, like soda pop, actually remove nutrients from the bloodstream. Even sugar-free and caffeine-free beverages are packed with sodium and calories that are hard to digest without energy from another source. The Brewer diet for pregnancy is recommended by childbirth instructors and midwives for healthy women. It is a wholesome diet of real, natural foods including meats, cheeses, eggs, fruits, vegetables and whole grains, all of which are high in protein and fiber.

Hypertension and Pregnancy

If you have hypertension before becoming pregnant, it may worsen during the pregnancy itself. Most medications that lower blood pressure are contraindicated during pregnancy. Work with your doctor to either find a way to wean yourself from medication or to find a dosage that's less likely to have a negative impact on the pregnancy while still meeting your medical needs. It's best to discuss these factors before you get pregnant. Consult an obstetrician for pre-pregnancy counseling and advice. If you're already pregnant, be sure that your caregiver knows about your hypertension and is reminded at every visit.