Effects on the placenta
High blood pressure can prevent the placenta from getting enough blood. If the placenta doesn't get enough blood, the baby doesn't get enough oxygen and food. This increases the risk of having a low birth weight baby or delivering prematurely. High blood pressure can also cause placental abruption. This is when the placenta separates from the uterus. This can be a life-threatening condition for both you and your baby.
PC: Freepix
What happens if you have high blood pressure?
National Library of Medicine A study published in 2013 states that severely high blood pressure during pregnancy puts the mother at risk of cardiac arrest, heart attack, kidney failure, and cerebral vascular accident. Additionally, the fetus is at risk of inadequate oxygen delivery from the placenta, stunted growth, premature birth, stillbirth, and death of the newborn.
Mother dies
Hypertension in pregnancy is one of the leading causes of death among women during pregnancy. According to the Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey (EDHS) 2016, 412 women died per 100,000 live births. Hypertension during pregnancy plays a major role in these maternal deaths. A review study on the causes of maternal deaths in Ethiopia indicated that the proportion of maternal mortality in Ethiopia due to hypertensive disorders was increasing from 4%-29% between 1980 and 2012.
Treatment of High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy
Cleveland Clinic Depending on the doctor, you may be asked to monitor your blood pressure at home. The doctor will prescribe medication to control blood pressure. The aim of its treatment is to prevent blood pressure from rising and prevent any complications from arising.
How to take care of yourself?
Take blood pressure medication as prescribed by the doctor, keep checking blood pressure at home, get prenatal check-ups done, eat a healthy diet and reduce salt in your food, stay active and exercise as advised by the doctor.
