High blood pressure can lead to health problems at any stage in life. Severe or High blood pressures in pregnancy can cause significant problems for you and your baby. Some women have high blood pressure prior to pregnancy and others develop it for the first time during pregnancy.
Gestational hypertension is when a blood pressure above 140 systolic and 90 diastolic happens for the first time after 20 weeks gestation. It usually goes away after childbirth but there is an increased risk of developing hypertension in the future.
Pre-Eclampsia is a serious disorder that affects all organs of a woman’s body. It often develops in the third trimester. It can lead to a condition that causes seizures and stroke. If also affects the liver and kidneys.
If you develop hypertensive disorders in pregnancy you are monitored closely as well as your baby and it is often recommended that you delivery before your expected due date.
For more information about hypertensive disorders in pregnancy:
High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy
Preeclampsia and High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy