During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes numerous changes,

One concern that arises is the potential development or exacerbation of hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure.

Hypertension during pregnancy can present various risks to both the mother and the baby, making it crucial for expecting mothers to understand what to expect and how to manage it effectively.

There are several types of hypertension that can occur during pregnancy:

1. Chronic Hypertension: This refers to high blood pressure that was present before pregnancy or diagnosed before the 20th week of pregnancy.

2. Gestational Hypertension: This type of hypertension develops after the 20th week of pregnancy in women who previously had normal blood pressure. It typically resolves after delivery.

3. Preeclampsia: This is a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Preeclampsia can lead to complications such as eclampsia (seizures), organ damage, and preterm birth if left untreated.

4. Chronic Hypertension with Superimposed Preeclampsia: This condition occurs when a woman with pre-existing hypertension develops preeclampsia during pregnancy.

Expectant mothers should be aware of the symptoms of hypertension during pregnancy, which may include: h

• High blood pressure
• Swelling (particularly in the hands and face)
• Headaches
• Vision changes
• Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal pain

It's essential to promptly report any of these symptoms to a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and management.

Managing hypertension during pregnancy often involves:

• Regular prenatal care
• Monitoring blood pressure
• Making dietary and lifestyle modification such as:
• Reducing sodium intake
• Increasing potassium-rich foods
• Staying hydrated
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Getting regular exercise (if approved by a healthcare provider)
• Managing stress levels.

In some cases, medication may be necessary to control hypertension during pregnancy. However, the choice of medication and dosage must be carefully considered to minimize risks to both the mother and the baby.

Routine prenatal appointments are crucial for monitoring both the mother's and the baby's health throughout pregnancy. These appointments may include:
• Blood pressure checks
• Urine tests to detect protein
• Fetal monitoring, and ultrasounds to assess fetal growth and well-being.

Hello everyone, my name is Dr. Debbie aka Bpdoc

I'm a Certified Graduate of Hypertension Management & Awareness from Alison Online School, Ireland

Also currently pursuing a Medical Degree (MBBS) @University Of Benin Teaching Hospital(UBTH), Nigeria

I own an online community (BP Academy) where I teach people on how to normalize High Bp within 90 days or less using their lifestyle, with or without medications

I will be holding another Free One hour class this week. Venue is Whatsapp

For those interested, send a message stating "I'm Interested In The Training" to 09166584787

P.S: For serious-minded people only