1. icon-arrow-left
    Pregnancy
Healthy Living · article

High blood pressure during pregnancy: what you need to know

A man in a watch cap swims in cold water for the health benefits.

A woman’s body works hard during pregnancy. Blood volume nearly doubles, which causes the heart rate to increase by 10 to 20 beats per minute.

For most moms-to-be, this stress is a natural part of pregnancy and well tolerated. But for others, a serious type of high blood pressure called preeclampsia can develop, which, if not properly managed, can become life-threatening for both mother and baby.

“There are three types of hypertension (high blood pressure) that require management, and all three are on the rise during pregnancy,” says Dr. Amy Ahnert, MD, director of the Women’s Heart Program for Atlantic Health System. “That’s why it is so important for pregnant women to closely track their blood pressure throughout their pregnancy to prevent serious health complications.”

When high blood pressure becomes dangerous

Your blood pressure measures the force of blood as it pushes against your artery walls. Excessive force can cause three types of hypertension (high blood pressure) during pregnancy:

  1. Chronic hypertension is when a woman has high blood pressure before becoming pregnant or develops it before 20 weeks of gestation. This can increase the risk of developing preeclampsia.
  2. Gestational hypertension is high blood pressure that develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It needs to be monitored because it can also progress to preeclampsia.
  3. Preeclampsia is a serious condition in which dangerously high blood pressure can affect the kidneys, liver, brain, lungs, heart, and eyes. Preeclampsia usually begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy and can be life-threatening.

Hypertension during pregnancy can lead to long-term heart disease

Dr. Ahnert explains that in recent studies from the American Heart Association, women with preeclampsia during pregnancy have a two-to-four-times greater risk of developing chronic hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes in their lifetime—particularly within ten years of giving birth.

“New research shows that preeclampsia can lead to a lifelong increased risk of cardiovascular disease for mother and baby,” says Dr. Ahnert. “We used to think that preeclampsia only affected a woman’s risk during pregnancy, but now we know it actually carries residual risk for women beyond pregnancy.”

Dr. Ahnert recommends that any woman with a history of preeclampsia get regularly screened throughout her lifetime under the guidance of a cardiologist.

“Many women know the traditional risk factors for heart disease like smoking, high cholesterol, or diabetes,” she says. “But unfortunately, many women are not informed that preeclampsia is also a risk factor for heart disease. The good news is that with proper surveillance and treatment, heart disease is preventable.”

Monitoring your blood pressure during pregnancy

An obstetrician monitors your blood pressure at each prenatal visit. If you’ve been diagnosed with chronic or gestational hypertension, or preeclampsia, you should also be seeing a cardiologist regularly and be tracing your readings with a home blood pressure monitor.

“Because preeclampsia can lead to serious life-threatening complications, it is imperative for women to tell their doctor about any symptoms during and even after pregnancy,” says Dr. Ahnert.

“Headaches, blurry vision, swelling, abdominal pain, and shortness of breath are only a few of the symptoms that can signal a serious problem. Women must also know that preeclampsia can develop after they’re discharged from the hospital. So, any unusual symptoms need to be reported immediately to their health care team.”

Find a Primary Care DoctorMaternal-Fetal Medicine
Published: September 26, 2024

Related articles

Healthy LivingWhat’s the most overlooked nutrient in your diet? FiberAre you eating enough fiber? For most Americans, the answer is no. An Atlantic Health expert explains why this powerful nutrient deserves a larger role in your diet.
Healthy LivingCan ultra-processed foods fit into a healthy diet? The answer may surprise youUltra-processed foods get a bad rap—but do they all deserve it? An Atlantic Health expert shares the ranking system for processed goods, and how to make smarter choices at the grocery store.
Healthy LivingLearn about ESG, a nonsurgical weight loss procedureSee how endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty at Atlantic Health offers a minimally invasive alternative to bariatric surgery and weight loss medication.
Healthy Living7 common myths about HPVIf you think you understand HPV, these facts may surprise you. An Atlantic Health expert clarifies the misconceptions surrounding humanpapillomavirus (HPV).
Healthy LivingHow to know if you have an underactive thyroid glandFatigue, weight gain and hair loss may seem unrelated, but could all be tied to an underactive thyroid. An Atlantic Health expert explains how a simple blood test can provide the answer.
Healthy LivingWhy am I so tired? 6 ways to fight winter fatigueDiscover reasons why you feel more tired during the winter and natural energy booster recommendations from an Atlantic Health family medicine physician.
Healthy LivingThe hidden health link between your gut and your heartHeart health starts in an unexpected place—your gut. An Atlantic Health expert explains how the foods you eat help lower inflammation throughout your body—and that protects your heart.
Healthy Living5 Stretches that improve your postureSlouching can lead to pain, stiffness and poor posture. An Atlantic Health expert shares five simple stretches that rebalance muscles, improve mobility—and keep you standing tall.
Healthy LivingA new way to think about sugarAs we head into the sugar-heavy holiday season, an Atlantic Health registered dietitian offers some perspective about sugar and carbs—and how to balance them into a healthy diet.
Mental WellnessPostpartum depression: 4 ways to protect your mental health after pregnancyIf you or a loved one is struggling with postpartum depression, you’re not alone. An Atlantic Health specialist explains how to gain control of this common perinatal mood and anxiety disorder.
Healthy LivingGet the facts about 8 common UTI mythsUrologist David Chaikin, MD, explains urinary tract infections: who gets them, what causes them and how to prevent and treat them.
Healthy LivingCould this be Lyme disease? As Lyme disease surges in the Northeast, recognize the signs and symptoms of this tick-borne illness with tips from an expert at Atlantic Health.