Find here the experts’ recommendations on high blood pressure during pregnancy. *
High blood pressure (hypertension) is called during pregnancy when the blood pressure reaches figures equal to or greater than 140/90 mmHg, or easier, pressure from 14 to maximum or 9 from minimum. When this high blood pressure is present before pregnancy or before four and a half months of gestation, it is called chronic hypertension, and many times its origin can not be determined, but it can be due to problems of the kidney, hormones, Own defenses, among others.
The most frequent of diseases of pregnancy with high pressure is preeclampsia / eclampsia. Preeclampsia is defined as an increase in blood pressure occurring after 20 weeks of pregnancy and accompanied by the presence of protein in the urine (proteinuria), called eclampsia when preeclampsia is accompanied by seizures and / or coma (loss Of consciousness).
Research shows that the appearance of preeclampsia is due to the fact that, after fertilization, the baby reaches the uterus normally, but is not properly implanted or placental formation is not correct, resulting in the internal covering ( The endothelium) of the small capillary vessels of the uterus do not function well and decreases the passage of blood from the mother to the placenta and the baby. This results in alterations of the vascular tone and increase of the arterial pressure, as well as alterations of the defenses and local inflammation. It is known that there is a genetic background and family; Thus, if there has been a person with high blood pressure, obesity or diabetes in the family, this should be reported to the physician, as there may be a predisposition to preeclampsia. Also, if the woman who is expecting a baby has already suffered from high blood pressure or is diabetic or obese, there is a greater chance that preeclampsia / eclampsia will occur. In addition, it is found in pregnancies of twins or baby test.
The consequences of preeclampsia / eclampsia can become serious in both the mother and the baby. As the baby does not get enough blood (and nutrients), it can stop growing and can be born before 9 months. High blood pressure often occurs suddenly at any time before the baby is ready to be born. Therefore, every pregnant mother should visit her doctor or health care provider according to the recommendations she has been given. Headache, pain in the abdomen, little urine, sudden swelling of the legs, arms and face are also symptoms, and the baby does not seem to grow and does not move much. See your doctor right away! It may be recommended that you be hospitalized and may even be recommended to complete the pregnancy soon, if the conditions of the mother and / or the baby are not good. It is preferable that all these measures be taken in a specialized center, where there will be a doctor, health personnel and a neonatologist who know about preeclampsia / eclampsia and how to take care of the mother and the baby.
Trust your doctor, who will recommend the best for you and your baby. * Written by Dr. José Pacheco Specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics, taken from the Peruvian Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
