Pregnancy already comes with its fair share of questions, emotions, and tiny daily surprises. And if you get diagnosed with high blood pressure before or during pregnancy, those questions can multiply.
Should you worry? Can it affect your baby? Will you need a C-section?
High blood pressure is not uncommon in pregnancy. But it is not something to shrug off, either. When managed early and properly with the guidance of an experienced gynaecologist, you can reduce complications and improve your chances of a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Let us walk you through it all.
What Exactly is High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy?
In simple terms, high blood pressure (also called hypertension) means the force of your blood against artery walls is too high. During pregnancy, it can show up in a few ways:
- Chronic hypertension: High BP present before pregnancy or diagnosed before 20 weeks.
- Gestational hypertension: High BP that starts after 20 weeks, without protein in urine.
- Preeclampsia: A more severe condition where high BP is combined with signs of damage to organs like the kidneys or liver.
Why Should You Be Concerned?
When blood pressure goes up, it can affect how much oxygen and nutrients your baby gets. It can also put a strain on your own body, especially organs like your kidneys and liver. Some possible risks include:
- Reduced blood flow to the placenta: Leading to low birth weight or growth restriction.
- Preterm birth: In some cases, doctors may need to deliver the baby early.
- Placental abruption: Where the placenta separates from the uterus too early, which can be dangerous.
- Preeclampsia or eclampsia: can become life-threatening if not treated.
- Future cardiovascular problems: High BP in pregnancy may raise your own heart risks later.
Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
You may not feel high blood pressure, which makes regular checkups vital. But some issues that need quick medical attention include:
- Severe headaches
- Swelling in the face or hands
- Vision changes (blurry vision, seeing spots)
- Pain in the upper abdomen
- Sudden weight gain
Managing High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy
With timely care, most women with high BP have healthy babies. Monitoring and personalising your care plan will help a lot. You might need:
- More frequent prenatal visits
- Blood pressure tracking at home
- Ultrasounds to check baby’s growth
- Urine tests to watch for protein (a sign of preeclampsia)
- Medication, if lifestyle changes alone are not enough
Your doctor will also guide you on diet, activity levels, stress management, and possibly early delivery if needed.
Choose the Right Doctor
If you are dealing with high BP, you are not just managing a number. You are fighting a higher-risk pregnancy. That is where you will need a high-risk pregnancy doctor in Kolkata who understands the medical side and supports you emotionally and mentally through the journey.
From regular screenings to birth planning, a specialised doctor can detect complications early, reduce risks, and help you make the safest choices for both you and your baby.
Conclusion
High blood pressure in pregnancy can sound alarming, but it doesn’t mean you will not have a healthy pregnancy or delivery. With expert guidance, lifestyle tweaks, and a little extra care, you can absolutely manage the risks. If you are pregnant and have high BP, or even just a family history of it, it is worth consulting Dr. Shivanjali Nayak early. Better safe, supported, and prepared—right?