Synonyms in a broader sense
- Pregnancy Hypertension
- Gestational Hypertension
- Gestational hypertension
- Eclampsia
- Preeclampsia
- HELLP syndrome
- Pregnancy poisoning
Definition
A high blood pressure in pregnancy is defined as follows: A blood pressure measured several times by the doctor with values above 140/90 mmHg is considered elevated and means that the pregnant woman has high blood pressure. A slight increase in blood pressure is considered to be slight if the blood pressure values are between 140/90mmHg and 159/109mmHg. A severe increase in blood pressure during pregnancy is present if the measured values are above 160/110mmHg.
Occurrence in the population
In approx. 10% of all pregnancies a blood pressure increase occurs. Pregnancy hypertension with severe symptoms, eclampsia, occurs in 1 of 2000 to 3500 pregnancies.
Cause
The exact cause of an increase in blood pressure during pregnancy is still unknown, but risk factors can be named that lead to pregnant women developing high blood pressure (see section “Risk factors”).
Significance – Can high blood pressure become dangerous?
High blood pressure can be extremely dangerous for mother and child, especially when the typically associated complications occur, so it is important to monitor blood pressure regularly during pregnancy. If high blood pressure remains undetected by the mother and persists for a long period of time, this can lead to damage to the blood vessels of the placenta, for example. The baby, which is supplied with nutrients via these vessels, suffers an undersupply and, in addition to too few nutrients, receives insufficient oxygen, which can result in a delay in its growth, in the worst case in a miscarriage.
It is important to differentiate between the subforms of gestational hypertension, which can manifest itself as a merely observable phenomenon up to acute complications, such as an epileptic seizure. In the mildest form, uncomplicated pregnancy hypertension, there is a slight increase in blood pressure, which should be monitored and possibly treated with medication. In this case no impairment of the fetus is to be expected.
However, if the pregnant woman also excretes proteins in the urine, this indicates damage to the kidneys and corresponds to the clinical picture of pre-eclampsia. Due to the loss of protein and damage to the kidneys, the pregnant woman also tends to lose fluid, which can lead to a deterioration in the blood supply to the unborn child. It also poses a risk for the manifestation of Acute Eclampsia, which is characterized by the sudden onset of an epileptic seizure. In summary, the occurrence of high blood pressure is not dangerous in principle, but it should in any case be monitored and treated by a physician, as the possible complications can pose a danger to mother and child. Expectant mothers who are still working may consider taking maternity leave, especially for physical labor or very stressful jobs.
