Synonyms in a broader sense
English: Hypertension in gravidity
- Pregnancy hypertension
- Gestational hypertension
- Gestational hypertension
- Eclampsia
- Preeclampsia
- HELLP syndrome
- Pregnancy poisoning
Definition
High blood pressure in pregnancy is defined as follows: A blood pressure measured several times by a doctor with values above 140/90 mmHg is considered elevated and means that the pregnant woman has high blood pressure. One speaks of a slight increase in blood pressure if the blood pressure values are between 140/90 mmHg and 159/109 mmHg. A severe increase in blood pressure during pregnancy is present if the measured values are above 160/110mmHg.
Occurrence in the population
In about 10% of all pregnancies a rise in blood pressure 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 can lead to pregnant women developing high blood pressure (see the section on risk factors).
Significance – Can high blood pressure become dangerous?
High blood pressure can be extremely dangerous for both 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 observed and possibly treated with medication. No impairment of the fetus is to be expected here.
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 characterised 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 doctor, 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 work or very stressful jobs.