Pregnancy Induced Hypertension Symptoms

Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension (PIH) is most likely to occur in first pregnancies and those who developed PIH in previous pregnancies. Hypertension in pregnancy is when blood pressure rises higher than 140/90 and requires close monitoring by a doctor throughout the pregnancy. According to the University of Virginia Health System, PIH is also referred to as preeclampsia and can cause complications including reduced blood flow to vital organs in the mother, placental abruption, poor fetal growth and stillbirth.

Causes

• There is not a known cause for pregnancy-induced hypertension. However, some factors seem to contribute to its onset. If a mother has high blood pressure before becoming pregnant, it is unlikely to resolve in pregnancy. This is generally referred to as chronic hypertension rather than PIH. Other factors that can contribute to hypertension in pregnancy include kidney disorders, diabetes and multiple fetuses. According to the University of Virginia Health System, PIH is most common in women under the age of 20 and over the age of 40, though it can occur at any age.

Symptoms

• Hypertension symptoms in pregnancy are similar to hypertension symptoms outside of pregnancy. According to the University of Virginia Health System, symptoms of hypertension can include swelling, blurred vision, nausea and protein in the urine. However, some may not have any symptoms with high blood pressure other than the blood pressure reading itself. This is why blood pressure measurement and a urine test are standard procedures during all prenatal visits.

Diagnosis

• The diagnosis of hypertension in pregnancy is determined by a blood pressure reading of higher than140/90. Some doctors may make the diagnosis with one high reading while others may require several high readings over a period of six to eight hours to diagnose hypertension. Significant increases in either the systolic or diastolic reading can also result in a diagnosis of hypertension even if blood pressure is not higher than 140/90. Many women also have abnormal amounts of protein in the urine as well as swelling.

Treatment

• If hypertension is found in pregnancy, your treatment will vary based on the severity of symptoms as well as how far along the pregnancy is. According to the American Pregnancy Association, your doctor may recommend lying on your left side to relieve pressure on major arteries on the right side of the body. Other treatments may include bed rest, a reduction in salt intake or an increase in liquids. Some doctors may prescribe blood pressure medications, particularly in those who had hypertension before pregnancy. If hypertension is severe late in pregnancy, the doctor may recommend delivery.

Dangers

• PIH, also known as preeclampsia, is a combination of hypertension, protein in the urine and edema in pregnancy. When it is mild, the doctor may recommend increased monitoring and one of the treatment methods described previously. Eclampsia is a severe form of PIH and requires that the baby is delivered immediately, regardless of gestational age. Eclampsia causes seizures and can be life threatening for both the mother and baby. Only delivery can relieve the symptoms.