High blood pressure is severe during pregnancy. Why is high blood pressure dangerous during pregnancy and how to normalize it? Blood pressure is normal

Doctors pay special attention to blood pressure in pregnant women. It is measured at each scheduled visit to the antenatal clinic and noted on the exchange card.

Elevated values ​​cause well-founded concerns both for the attending physician and for the woman herself. We will talk about why blood pressure increases in expectant mothers and how you can safely reduce it in this article.

Causes of high blood pressure

Blood pressure is also called blood pressure in medicine. In essence, the value determined by the tonometer, written in the form of a fraction, is nothing more than the force with which the blood presses on the inner walls of the blood vessels.

The first part of the fraction indicates the force of pressure during contraction of the heart (systolic pressure), and the second part indicates diastolic pressure - the force with which the blood presses on the vascular walls at the moment the heart relaxes.

A normal indicator for a healthy person is blood pressure, which does not exceed 110 (120) / 70 (80) millimeters of mercury. There are also women who have quite normal and natural pressure is 90/60 or 100/70. It is imperative to warn the obstetrician-gynecologist about this at the first consultation visit for registration. This will avoid confusion and confusion in the future.

There are any number of reasons for high blood pressure in pregnant women. First of all, such hypertension is due to the fact that the amount of blood circulating through a woman’s vessels increases, because now she has to feed two living organisms at once.

This creates the preconditions for increased blood pressure, but real hypertension does not develop in everyone, but only in those expectant mothers who have other “risk factors”:

• overweight, obesity;
• diseases of the heart and blood vessels;
• diabetes mellitus, including gestational (typical only for pregnant women) diabetes;
• genetic predisposition;
• hypertension not caused by anything (an independent disease that is not associated with any pathologies in the body).

The vast majority of expectant mothers who have had two or more cases of increased blood pressure in previous pregnancies are at risk of high blood pressure. There are several pathological reasons that can lead to such an unpleasant condition.

Usually in obstetrics two main ones are considered:

• Preeclampsia- a complication of pregnancy, which is accompanied by high blood pressure, the appearance of edema, the appearance of protein in the urine, as well as the development of seizures. A fatally dangerous condition for both the woman and the child, requiring medical attention.
• Gestational hypertension- a condition in which there is high blood pressure, but there is no protein in the urine and no seizures. In this case, doctors do not state gestosis, but designate the condition specifically as hypertension in pregnant women. It usually begins after 20-22 weeks and goes away on its own after childbirth.

Danger and consequences

The main danger of high blood pressure during pregnancy, if it is caused by gestosis, lies in the risk of developing various pathologies in the expectant mother. The alarming combination of three main symptoms - swelling / pressure / protein in the urine scares the attending physician for a reason.

Preeclampsia can cause renal failure in women. With gestosis, the lungs, liver and heart often suffer. A woman may begin to have problems with the activity of the nervous system.

With high pressure, blood vessels are subject to spasms, this increases the likelihood of developing thrombosis, there is a real risk of decreased vision, there is a considerable likelihood of cerebral hemorrhages, the consequences of which can be the most tragic, even fatal.

If gestosis is accompanied by nausea and vomiting, the likelihood of dehydration increases.

The risks for the child are also high. The most dangerous consequences are placental abruption, development of placental insufficiency, intrauterine death of the baby. In approximately 10% of cases with mild and moderate gestosis, premature birth occurs.

If gestosis has a more severe course, then the probability of giving birth to a baby before the due date is 20%. If eclampsia begins, then almost every third baby appears prematurely. The prenatal death of babies due to gestosis in the later stages is estimated by harsh medical statistics at 35%.

If the state of gestosis is prolonged and the disturbances proceed sluggishly, the child almost always experiences a state of hypoxia, lack of oxygen, which cannot but affect his development and the functioning of the central nervous system.

Every third child who is born to a woman with such long-term gestosis is underweight, retarded in development, and subsequently may experience significant delays in physical and intellectual development.

If the pressure becomes too high and gestosis turns into eclampsia, then they try to give birth to the woman urgently without waiting for the required deadline. At the same time, the baby is not always physically ready for independent life outside the mother’s belly. Childbirth in women with gestosis is more difficult, and the early postpartum period can be complicated by heavy bleeding.

Gestational hypertension is not as dangerous as classic gestosis, but it is also alarming. Due to increased blood pressure in a woman, blood flow in the uterine vessels is disrupted, which is why the development of fetoplacental insufficiency is likely. Usually, it is quite possible to combat such a disorder with supportive therapy and maintain the pregnancy until the time when the woman can give birth without the risk of losing the baby.

A violation that most often appears after 20-22 weeks, accompanies the pregnant woman for the entire remaining period of gestation. It requires more careful monitoring, blood pressure monitoring and treatment.

If hypertension is caused by chronic diseases of the kidneys, adrenal glands, or heart that existed before pregnancy, then an increased level of blood pressure is a companion to pregnancy already in the early stages. This also requires medical correction and special pregnancy management tactics.

Symptoms

Sometimes an increase in blood pressure in an expectant mother is not accompanied by any symptoms and can go unnoticed. At least until complications begin. This is why an obstetrician-gynecologist so often measures a pregnant woman’s blood pressure and monitors its dynamics. In some cases, the following signs may indicate increased blood pressure:

• the appearance of intense headaches (the higher the pressure, the stronger the pain, a feeling of pressure in the temples);
• dizziness, tinnitus;
• a pressing sensation in the eyeballs, possibly a subjective sensation of “floaters before the eyes”;
• weakness, nausea, sometimes vomiting;
• redness of the skin on the face and décolleté.

Even if there are no signs of hypertension, this does not mean that all the above-described risks for the mother and child are absent. The risks and dangers do not decrease in the least in the absence of clinical manifestations, and therefore doctors try to identify expectant mothers at risk as soon as possible and try to reduce possible risks of negative consequences to a minimum.

What pressure is considered high

For a woman whose natural blood pressure is always low, for example, is 90/60 or 100/70, 120/85 can be considered elevated. Tonometer readings that are normal for most people will be considered abnormal for a habitually hypotensive patient.

If the expectant mother’s usual blood pressure is within the average statistical values, then 135-140-150 and above in systole and 90-100-110 in diastole will be considered elevated.

Childbirth also requires medication support. If a woman has high blood pressure, doctors most often decide to perform a cesarean section at 38-39 weeks or earlier if the condition of the fetus is classified as unsatisfactory.

Even if natural childbirth is allowed, they try to carry it out using epidural anesthesia, which not only relieves pain, but also reduces blood pressure during the birth process.

Folk remedies

Increased blood pressure during pregnancy is dangerous. Therefore, the use of folk remedies to solve this problem is not the best solution, which can have serious consequences. Therefore, hypertension is exactly the case when, before using any prescription from the arsenal of alternative medicine, you should still consult with your doctor.

Recipes based on the power of medicinal herbs and the benefits of berries and fruits are considered the safest. So, a woman can brew herself a weak herbal tea from chamomile flowers, mint leaves, fennel and valerian root. You can combine motherwort, chamomile and dill seeds. Teas are brewed before each use and drunk warm.

Natural birch sap is beneficial. We are talking about real juice extracted from the trunks of these trees, and not about the clear sweet liquid with sugar that is sold in stores.

If the season and opportunities allow, it is better to buy natural juice or extract it yourself. Cranberry and pomegranate juice, beet juice, lingonberry juice and mixed carrot-apple juice are also considered useful for reducing blood pressure.

Juice that can be squeezed from rowan berries is good for reducing blood pressure. It is taken only a few teaspoons per day. But an overdose of such a drug can cause diarrhea, so caution should be exercised. Red hibiscus tea and chokeberry are useful in small quantities.

In folk medicine, there are many recipes for lowering blood pressure based on bee products and alcohol; you should not make such tinctures and take them during pregnancy; these recipes can be tried after childbirth and the end of breastfeeding, if necessary.

A pregnant woman’s blood pressure begins to be measured immediately at her first appointment with a doctor. The doctor will also clarify whether the expectant mother has hypotension or hypertension. After all, each of these deviations from the norm can provoke trouble. What blood pressure would be considered normal during early pregnancy? And what to do if it is increased or decreased?

Read in this article

Blood pressure is normal

Each of us has measured our blood pressure at least once. For some, it is almost always slightly increased or decreased, but does not cause discomfort. As for the expectant mother, ideally she should know her blood pressure before pregnancy in order to compare it with the indicators in the new state. The normal range for a healthy person is considered to be between 90-120/60-80 mmHg. Art. respectively. Anything higher or lower is considered a deviation and requires adjustment, as it can affect the mother and child. In fact, 140/90 or 100/60 is a reason to see a doctor as soon as possible.

It is recommended that a woman keep a record of her blood pressure, mark it on a piece of paper, and then show it to the doctor. Since in the first trimester all the main organs important for a normal life are formed in the fetus, nothing should interfere with the course of pregnancy.

How to measure blood pressure yourself: important rules

Pressure is measured using tonometers. There are several options in pharmacies, including the latest generation - electronic ones. They are quite easy to use, so there are no difficulties with their use. The only condition: the woman must carefully read the instructions. It is worth following a few basic rules to get accurate data:

• be sure to conduct the examination at the same time;
• coffee and nicotine can change the data, do not consume them at least an hour before measurements (even a few a day are harmful to the health of the mother and child);
• Before putting on the cuff, it is better to lie down for a few minutes;
• if you want to go to the toilet “in a small way,” then you should initially go and then take measurements;
• talking, spinning and moving while measuring blood pressure is prohibited;
• if you have any doubts about the data obtained, you can repeat the procedure after a couple of minutes;
• medications affect the indicators, so measurements must be taken several hours after taking them;
• Blood pressure measurements should be taken while sitting.

What indicators indicate low blood pressure?

It is hypotension or low blood pressure that occurs most often in early pregnancy. If a woman had normal indicators before, then deviations of 10%-15% will already significantly affect her body. That is, the pressure is 100/70 mm Hg. Art. for some it will be the norm, and for others it will be reduced. The change will be to blame. With an increase in its quantity, the pregnant woman relaxes the muscles of the uterus and the walls of blood vessels, which leads to their expansion and a decrease in pressure.

Low blood pressure during early pregnancy manifests itself in the following symptoms:

• the woman constantly wants to sleep, as if she does not have enough oxygen;
• shortness of breath increases when walking;
• lethargy occurs, it becomes difficult to work, as it is impossible to concentrate;
• sometimes you hear tinnitus;
• a woman may periodically;
• pregnant woman accompanied, dizziness.

Who is more likely to suffer from low blood pressure?

Low blood pressure is likely to occur during early pregnancy in girls diagnosed with vegetative-vascular dystonia, as well as in those who have a tendency to hypotension and anemia. Expectant mothers who are on strict diets, experience regular stress, and also cannot eat well due to a low social level are at risk. Hypotension can also be caused by dehydration due to toxicosis, infectious diseases, and a sedentary lifestyle.

It is worth noting that slender girls have a much higher chance of suffering from low blood pressure. But expectant mothers with curvy figures are more likely to face increased or hypertension.

What are the risks of hypotension during pregnancy?

Low blood pressure during early pregnancy is not only a discomfort for the expectant mother, but also a real threat to the child. Since at first the baby does not yet have a separate blood circulation from the mother, regular, lack of oxygen as a result can lead to a delay in the baby’s development. However, low blood pressure can increase symptoms of toxicosis and vomiting, which will make the expectant mother feel even worse.

To understand how terrible the “attack” is for many pregnant women, we recommend reading the article. From it you will learn what factors become harbingers of an unpleasant phenomenon, what symptoms may indicate its approach, as well as how to help yourself if such an unpleasant sign of pregnancy has not bypassed you.

As for the second and third trimesters, hypotension is also terrible for the child. By the way, if the indicators only sometimes decrease, then this will not bring such severe consequences, since the vessels in the placenta can already independently support normal blood circulation. If a pregnant woman suffers from hypotension for almost the entire period, then placental insufficiency, oxygen starvation of the fetus, difficulties during labor, and gestosis may develop as a result. But the worst thing that can happen is a miscarriage caused by hypotension. Also, severe intrauterine bruises cannot be ruled out if the mother falls during dizziness or fainting.

How to raise blood pressure during pregnancy

To get rid of low blood pressure, there are several proven methods, which are best used in combination:

• Sudden rises from bed are not for pregnant women. It's better to wake up calmly, relax a little and enjoy the morning. This will protect you from attacks of nausea and dizziness. Some noted that they felt much better if they slept on high pillows.
• A light snack right in bed is not a whim, but a healthy habit for toxicosis and hypotension. A small cracker and fruit are suitable for this purpose.
• If you suddenly feel dizzy, then you should lie down on the floor or sofa, raise your legs along the wall and stay in this position for a couple of minutes. The blood will change its location and enter the brain, saturating it with sufficient oxygen.
• The effect will also be from compression stockings, which also prevent varicose veins.
• Light physical exercise will improve your general condition, keep your body in good shape and increase your blood pressure.
• Watch your food, be sure to include fruits and juices. Simple kitchen salt can help solve the problem. Due to the fact that it retains fluid in the body, blood will circulate better through the vessels. Pregnant women with hypotension are allowed to consume salt even a little more than they should (although you need to know the limit in everything).
• Raw celery root and strawberries are exactly the foods that will raise your blood pressure.
• As for special teas for hypertensive patients, they can be found in the pharmacy (only reading the instructions can protect the young mother from taking any medications incorrectly!).
• It is possible, but rarely, in small quantities, with milk. Since it is possible to increase blood pressure in the early stages of pregnancy, it is worth considering all possible consequences.

Any medications can be taken only after consultation with a specialist! Don't listen to anyone! Everything that was completely simple and familiar before pregnancy can become quite dangerous during pregnancy. Special medications for low blood pressure constrict blood vessels, resulting in oxygen starvation in the fetus! Some of them can even develop pathologies.

What blood pressure is considered high?

High blood pressure during early pregnancy begins at 140/90 mmHg. Art. But in each case everything is taken into account individually. Since a woman could have values ​​within 90/60 mmHg before conception. Art., then 120/80 mm Hg. Art. will already be high for her.

The symptoms of high blood pressure during pregnancy are somewhat similar to the symptoms of low blood pressure, however, they can still be distinguished before measurement:

• a woman experiences headaches of varying intensity;
• vision problems arise, the pregnant woman sees “goosebumps” in front of her;
• ringing in the ears periodically appears;
• profuse sweating begins;
• There are disruptions in the normal rhythm of the heart.

Who is more prone to high blood pressure

A slight increase in blood pressure in the early stages of pregnancy is a completely typical and natural phenomenon. After all, the expectant mother’s blood volume increases, the load on the heart increases, but all this is necessary for the normal interaction of the mother-placenta-fetus system. However, there is a category of women who have a higher chance of suffering from hypertension.

Precursors to high blood pressure will be:

• hypertension detected before pregnancy (in those who have a blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg constantly or at regular intervals);
• the presence of neuroendocrine diseases (diabetes mellitus, thyroid and/or adrenal disease, etc.);
• diseases of the nervous system accompanied by disturbances in the regulation of vascular tone (encephalitis, myelitis, brain injuries, back injuries, and others);
• diseases of the heart and other organs that can affect increased blood pressure;
• hepatitis;
• overweight;

If high blood pressure is detected, the expectant mother will be asked to go to the hospital. Before writing a refusal, it is worth knowing about the consequences of such a decision.

What are the risks of high blood pressure during pregnancy?

Like low blood pressure, high blood pressure during early pregnancy affects the walls of blood vessels and increases muscle tone. It can also disrupt normal blood circulation in the placenta, as a result of which the baby will be under constant threat. From the second trimester, hypertension will lead to the presence of protein in the urine and, most unpleasantly, preeclampsia. The latter diagnosis may manifest itself so strongly that either an early cesarean section will have to be performed, or the pregnant woman may be advised to undergo it in order to save her life.

A woman who is prone to hypertension, has already experienced or premature birth, must independently monitor her blood pressure daily.

How to reduce blood pressure during pregnancy

The first thing you should do when you notice high blood pressure is to see a doctor to identify the underlying problem. All hypertension most often manifests itself as a concomitant disease, rather than the main one. Only a specialist can select the appropriate medications to reduce the indicators and not harm the child. In general, a pregnant woman should adhere to the following rules:

• reduce salt intake;
• generally give up fatty foods in favor of fruits and vegetables (raw and/or steamed);
• control your weight, arrange fasting days;
• do not lie on the couch all day long, reveling in your new condition;
• walk more in the fresh air, do light yoga.

Of course, we shouldn’t forget about rest. Regular loads and constant over-employment will only provoke the development of deviations. And, of course, be sure to monitor your health and do not delay visiting a doctor. After all, a timely visit often allows you to start treatment on time and avoid serious consequences. Positive emotions and impressions will only become an additional advantage when carrying a child and will add optimism to both the mother and the unborn baby.

Content

Hypertension is a common problem in pregnant women. At the same time, it is dangerous to ignore the pathology, since such deviations can harm not only the mother, but also the fetus. The main difficulty with this is that most pills that can lower blood pressure are contraindicated when carrying a child.

Why is high blood pressure dangerous during pregnancy?

Even in the early stages of pregnancy, increased blood pressure is a dangerous factor that can cause gestosis. This unpredictable disease can cause disruptions in the functioning of various important systems, including the cardiovascular and circulatory systems. The disease develops due to the production of substances by the placenta that form microholes in the vessels (through which protein and plasma liquid enter the tissues). This causes swelling on the legs, hands, and placenta. Swelling of the latter threatens serious consequences for the fetus.

Even in cases where high blood pressure in pregnant women does not cause gestosis, the pathological condition cannot be ignored. It is not for nothing that antenatal clinic workers pay great attention to monitoring changes in blood pressure in pregnant women: as a result of pressure surges in the vessels of the placenta and fetus, blood circulation between the woman and the baby is reduced (the phenomenon is called fetoplacental insufficiency). This leads to a deficiency of oxygen and nutrients and can lead to delayed fetal development.

Blood pressure during early pregnancy

The hormonal changes that actively occur at the beginning of pregnancy affect the entire woman’s body, including the circulatory and vascular systems. As a result, high blood pressure during early pregnancy is not uncommon. However, the tonometer dial should not show more than 120/80 mmHg. Art., otherwise the development of the fetus may not occur as intended by nature.

The expectant mother should be concerned about blood pressure of 140/90 or higher, which is noted regularly. Such data indicate arterial hypertension (gestational or chronic). In the latter case, the deviations are caused by any pathologies that the woman has (often kidney disease or endocrine disorders). With gestational hypertension, a violation of blood pressure is caused directly by pregnancy, and, as a rule, at the end of the second trimester.

At the initial stage, gestational hypertension is extremely dangerous because it causes vasoconstriction, as a result of which the necessary substances reaching the embryo are reduced. As a result of this pathological condition, fetal development may be delayed. In addition, a possible consequence of the disease in the first trimester is miscarriage.

High blood pressure during late pregnancy

Various pathological conditions can cause blood pressure deviations in the last trimester. Doctors associate high blood pressure during late pregnancy with gestosis, a complication characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the body of the expectant mother. Since ordinary arterial hypertension is difficult to distinguish from gestosis, if swelling, dizziness, tinnitus and other specific symptoms appear, you should immediately see a doctor.

As a result of regular changes in blood pressure, vascular tone increases, which threatens to impair blood circulation in the placenta and can lead to serious disturbances in the intrauterine development of the baby. As a rule, pathology develops after the twentieth week of pregnancy, but in exceptional cases it occurs in the initial stages. In this case, factors that increase the likelihood of hypertension in pregnant women are:

• diabetes;
• pathologies of the biliary tract or kidneys;
• stress;
• being overweight;
• woman's age;
• disruptions in the functioning of the thyroid gland;
• traumatic brain injuries.

Normal blood pressure during pregnancy

Almost half of pregnant women have problems with blood pressure. Normal blood pressure during pregnancy may fluctuate slightly, but does not go beyond the acceptable range, with 120/80 mmHg considered optimal. Art. In young women, the norm will be up to 130/85 mmHg. Art. – such blood pressure cannot cause harm to the fetus or negatively affect the health of the expectant mother. Doctors strongly advise monitoring blood pressure while carrying a child and recording tonometer readings in a notebook every week. If blood pressure rises periodically, it should be measured daily.

How to lower blood pressure during pregnancy

Only an experienced doctor can select safe means and suggest which methods can be used to reduce blood pressure during pregnancy. It is strictly prohibited to take any medications on your own, as they can cause serious harm to the baby. How to reduce blood pressure during pregnancy? Taking pills for hypertension is prescribed exclusively for severely elevated blood pressure in order to reduce the risk of developing any complications. In this case, the doctor selects the appropriate dosage and treatment regimen.

How to reduce blood pressure during pregnancy without taking medications:

• taking folk remedies;
• through diet;
• using massages, yoga and other techniques.

Blood pressure pills during pregnancy

If before pregnancy a woman already had problems with blood pressure, then she probably already has pills in her medicine cabinet that help normalize blood pressure. However, drinking them without consulting a doctor is prohibited, since these drugs can cause irreparable harm to the fetus or even cause miscarriage. Without urgent need, doctors do not recommend taking blood pressure medications during pregnancy.

How to reduce blood pressure during pregnancy? If the woman’s health condition is not critical, the doctor prescribes the use of mild sedatives such as valerian or motherwort and the use of diuretics. If such medications are not effective, Dopegit or Papazol tablets are used to treat hypertension, which should be taken in a course of 10 days. Nifedipine and Metaprolol are prescribed for routine therapy. In addition, to achieve normal blood pressure levels, No-shpa and Papaverine can be additionally used.

Attention! The information presented in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials in the article do not encourage self-treatment. Only a qualified doctor can make a diagnosis and give treatment recommendations based on the individual characteristics of a particular patient.

Discuss

How to reduce blood pressure during pregnancy to normal. Folk remedies and medications for high blood pressure for pregnant women

The period of a woman’s life when she is carrying a baby in the womb is always associated with a lot of exciting moments and requires maximum control over the condition of the expectant mother and the fetus. One of the pathologies that is often observed in pregnant women is hypertension. Increased pressure can cause various serious conditions that can disturb not only the woman, but also affect the condition and development of the fetus.

High blood pressure in women during pregnancy: why it is dangerous and how to act

Gestation is not only an important, but also a difficult period for the fair sex.

According to statistics, of all pregnancy pathologies, hypertension accounts for almost 20% of cases if it develops separately, and 70% if combined with gestosis. This condition causes discomfort and anxiety not only for the expectant mother herself, but also worries the doctors observing her. Therefore, rapid diagnosis of high blood pressure is extremely important, but also careful and careful adherence to the therapeutic recommendations of specialists.

What is normal blood pressure in pregnant women?

The beginning of pregnancy is associated with changes in a woman’s hormonal levels, so the first trimester is characterized by a slight decrease in blood pressure of no more than 15 mmHg. Art., from the value that was normal for her before the conception of the baby. Then the indicators level out and for the expectant mother, systolic pressure levels not exceeding 140 mm Hg become the norm. Art., and diastolic - no more than 90 mm Hg. Art.

What is hypertension or hypertension

For accurate diagnosis, blood pressure is first measured twice, with an interval of 2 minutes. Before the first measurement, the woman must spend at least 5 minutes at rest. If the result exceeds the upper limit of normal systolic and diastolic pressure, then we speak of arterial hypertension. In women during pregnancy, it can be of three degrees:

The diagnosis of hypertension can be made in patients in whom an increase in indicators was noted in the first trimester of pregnancy or if the systolic pressure was increased by 25 mmHg. Art., and diastolic - by 15 mm Hg. century, even before the moment of conception.

Risk factors for hypertension

There are several risk factors that can lead to increased blood pressure in expectant mothers during pregnancy.

Hormones

The main effect on the cardiovascular system is exerted by steroid hormones (estrogens), synthesized in the adrenal glands.

An equally important role is played by triiodothyronine and thyroxine, produced by the thyroid gland. If there is a malfunction of the adrenal glands or thyroid gland, which has developed or worsened in the expectant mother, an increase in blood pressure may occur.

In the first trimester of gestation, changes in the hormonal levels of estrogen and progesterone cause hypotension, so the appearance of high blood pressure during this period is considered pathological

Heredity

The genetic information that the expectant mother once received is also important in the pathogenesis of the formation of hypertension. Thus, in most cases, hypertension in women during gestation is an expected phenomenon and is chronic, rather than acquired after conception, if such a disorder has been observed in their families previously.

External factors

Among the external factors influencing pregnancy, the influence of external factors is important. Stress received by the expectant mother from the outside leads to psycho-emotional overstrain, which causes a violation of the central regulation of pressure.

Neurosis of the vasomotor center develops. Subsequently, the woman develops an imbalance in the work of pressor factors and vasodilators. And this already leads to hypertension.

In most cases, the source of the disease is not one risk factor, but a combination of them, so the influence of each of them is taken into account during the interview and examination of the pregnant woman.

Risks to the fetus, placenta and mother

Depending on the period of gestation of the baby, hypertension was determined in the expectant mother, the consequences of this disease for the fetus and placenta, and for the woman herself, differ.

In the first trimester

In the initial stages of pregnancy, increased blood pressure in the mother can lead to oxygen deficiency in the fetus, which will slow down its growth and development. And in the worst case, hypertension can cause a sudden interruption of gestation.

In the second trimester

Starting from the second trimester, a big problem accompanying hypertension can be placental abruption, even if its localization is normal. In most of these situations, the fetus dies and there is a risk of death for the mother due to severe bleeding. There is also a high risk of progression of the disease to preeclampsia and then eclampsia, when convulsions appear, the woman loses consciousness and may fall into a coma. In such cases, the chance of death for mother and child is also high.

In the 3rd trimester

At the last stage of bearing a baby, hypertension leads to disturbances in the functioning of the vascular bed. It develops oxygen starvation in the fetus and this leads to a slowdown or stop of its development. There is also a high probability of partial or complete placental abruption. But the biggest problem of the disease during such a crucial period is that premature onset of labor is possible, for which neither the expectant mother nor her baby is ready.

If your blood pressure constantly rises, what to do?

If there is an observed increase in blood pressure, the expectant mother may be recommended certain remedies related both to traditional medicine and to groups of medications or to special activities.

Treatment with traditional methods

Traditional therapy can also be used to reduce blood pressure in an expectant mother:

• Cranberry mixture. Squeeze the juice out of a glass of fresh berries, and pour boiling water over the plant residue and cook for about 5 minutes. Then the composition is filtered and 3 tsp is boiled in it. semolina with 4 tbsp. l. Sahara. Beat the resulting mixture in a blender, mix with fresh juice and take 3 tsp. a couple of times a day.
• Pumpkin decoction. The product is taken in an amount of 200 g, boiled, thoroughly crushed and mixed with a tablespoon of honey. The resulting mass is consumed a couple of spoons per day.

Under no circumstances should traditional recipes be used by a pregnant woman without first consulting a doctor.

Medicines you can take to lower your blood pressure

Among the medications that can be used to equalize blood pressure during gestation:

• Some beta blockers: Nebivolol, Atenolol, Oxprenolol.
• Agents that block slow calcium channels: Nifedipine or Isradipine.
• Vasodilators such as Hydralosin.

Some drugs can be used only if there are vital indications for a pregnant woman, due to the fact that they are difficult to tolerate by her vascular system and can lead to fetal death. These tools include:

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme blockers: Captopril, Enalapril.
• Antagonists to angiotensin receptors: Losartan, Valsartan.
• Diuretics: Dazix, Mannitol.

Breathing exercises

Special gymnastics, which focuses on the respiratory system, allows a woman to relax and reduce the level of stress, which can cause hypertension. It includes the following exercises:

• First you need to choose the most comfortable position, it doesn’t matter whether it is lying down, sitting or even standing. Then the woman takes a slow breath through her nose, trying to switch to abdominal breathing, then holds the air for a couple of seconds and slowly exhales through her mouth. The main thing is that during the entire exercise all her muscles are relaxed.
• A sitting position is assumed. The expectant mother places one palm on her stomach, the second on her chest. She should breathe deeply through her nose, trying to keep only her stomach moving and her chest in its original position.
• Again, any comfortable position is chosen. The woman slowly inhales, counts 5 seconds and exhales, also counting to 5. Then the breathing stops for another 5 seconds and the exercise is repeated.

All breathing exercises should take about half an hour a day and it is best if it is carried out daily or at intervals of 1 day.

Yoga

Yoga has proven itself to be a way to help expectant mothers not only combat high blood pressure, but generally improve their well-being and relax. The following exercises are considered the most suitable:

• Shavasana. This is the simplest exercise, during which the expectant mother should lie on her back, place her arms along her body with her palms facing up. The legs should be hip-width apart. In this position, she needs to close her eyes and breathe at her own comfortable rhythm so that all the muscles relax. Duration – at least half an hour. Exiting this position begins with small movements of the fingers, then the arms, then turns to the right side and moves to a sitting position.
• Pranayama. The expectant mother takes a sitting position, and if possible, the lotus position. The gaze is directed strictly forward, straight arms touching the knees with the hands. The woman should relax as much as possible, exhale slowly through her nose and at the same time draw in her stomach. Then there is a second pause and a slow inhalation through the nose begins, as deep as possible. Again, a one-second pause and repeat the exercise. You need to do about 10 approaches per session.
• Asana for a newborn. For her, the woman takes a comfortable position, standing with emphasis on her hands and knees (with her knees at a distance from each other and her feet touching). A thick roll of towel or blanket is placed in front of the pregnant woman. She should slowly lower her buttocks towards her feet, stretching her spine and leaning her forehead towards the roll. When fully tilted, several deep breathing movements are performed and a return to the starting position.

Other options for reducing pressure

Among other options for reducing blood pressure in a pregnant woman with hypertension, physiotherapy methods stand out:

• Ecletroson.
• Carrying out hyperbaric oxygenation.
• Providing inductothermy to the area of ​​the feet and legs.
• Performing lumbar diathermy in the kidney area.

If a pregnant woman is a chronic hypertensive patient, how will childbirth proceed?

If the expectant mother has arterial hypertension and high blood pressure, natural childbirth is contraindicated, since it is dangerous for her life and the life of the fetus. An obstetrician observing a woman assesses her condition closer to her due date and analyzes the existing risks to her health and the life of the baby. He then decides whether a natural birth or a caesarean section would be more appropriate. A woman can give birth on her own only with careful monitoring of the condition of the mother and child, as well as in the presence of strict contraindications to cesarean section.

Emergency conditions

The category of conditions that develop with hypertension in a pregnant woman and require emergency medical care include:

• Placental abruption.
• An attack of eclampsia.
• Hypertensive crisis, which can lead to heart failure, pulmonary edema, heart attack or stroke.
• Premature birth.

In accordance with the causes and severity of hypertension in a pregnant woman, the prognosis for her life and for the life and health of her child is determined. But in general, under the strict control of the doctor supervising the expectant mother and following his recommendations, she has every chance of giving birth to a healthy baby without a threat to her and his future life.

Useful video

Carrying a fetus by a woman is accompanied by a stressful state of the body, which often causes high blood pressure during pregnancy. Immediate examination helps to concentrate on therapy in time, and adherence to daily rules prevents the development of chronic forms of hypertension.

What indicators are considered normal for pregnant women?

Measuring blood pressure in pregnant women is a mandatory periodic (once a day/week) procedure. Normal blood pressure for a healthy adult is 120/80. Due to the load from the fetus, this figure is higher in pregnant women. In medical practice, pressure is considered natural in the range from 90/60 to 140/90. The specific meaning depends on the characteristics of the organism.

IMPORTANT. The “working” norm during pregnancy is considered to be 100/60 and 110/70.

If the upper pressure (systolic) is high and the lower pressure (diastolic) is low, this indicates the presence of serious problems in the body.

What is hypertension and hypertension?

Hypertension (arterial hypertension) is a symptom of vasoconstriction, accompanied by an increase in pressure, upper and lower, over 140 and 90, respectively. There are 3 degrees of this disease, which can occur latently and without pronounced symptoms.

During pregnancy, hypertension is detected by the following signs:

• with frequent blood pressure measurements (2-3 times a day with an interval of at least 4 hours), when the pressure remains stably at 140/90 and above;
• headaches (temporo-parietal zone);
• buzzing and tinnitus;
• visual impairment (“stars” in the eyes);
• weakness, shortness of breath, fatigue;
• palpitations, chest discomfort;
• feelings of anxiety and fear;
• numbness of the limbs.

Hypertension is a disease that also involves high blood pressure (during pregnancy), but in the presence of any pathology. Most often, an unclear etymology or cause of high blood pressure is diagnosed. The main difference between hypertension and hypertension is considered to be the stability of its course, in contrast to the manifestation of frequent pressure surges or when a high pulse is palpable at normal pressure.

Risk factors for arterial hypertension

Many factors contribute to the development of the disease. The main causes of pressure surges during pregnancy are:

Hormones

They are the most common cause of high blood pressure during pregnancy. The female body actively produces hormones in each trimester of fetal development. Laboratory tests examine the concentration of hormones produced in the adrenal glands, pituitary gland and thyroid gland. The concentration of active substances and their breakdown products is determined by collecting blood and urine.

Heredity

High blood pressure sometimes becomes a hereditary factor and is passed on from one of the parents. At a doctor's appointment, the expectant mother is advised on this matter, identifying all possible causes of the symptom. The danger of this form of hypertension lies in the long-term nature of disruptions in the functioning of blood vessels in the absence or insufficiency of treatment.

Diseases of the kidneys, cardiovascular system

The main mechanism of these diseases (transferred, untreated, present) is a failure in urination or blood circulation. The presence of a concomitant illness during pregnancy complicates the removal of harmful compounds, heavy metals and salts from the body. Obesity often develops, metabolism slows down, and the load on the heart muscle increases. Therefore, during pregnancy, diets are followed under the supervision of a doctor.

Age

Young mothers and women aged 30–35 years often experience high blood pressure during pregnancy. The main cause of the symptom is the age-related characteristics of the body. The body is either too young (immature) for the load from the fetus, or is not entirely healthy due to the influence of various factors.

Stress, mental illness, head injuries

Mental illnesses, as well as stressful conditions, are associated with the sympathetic part of the head. Pituitary hormones are responsible for the course of diseases. A deficiency or excess of certain substances causes high blood pressure not only during pregnancy.

External factors

External factors directly include:

• bad habits;
• poor nutrition;
• salty, spicy and smoked foods;
• physical exercise;
• sedentary lifestyle;
• overweight;
• weather;
• ecology.

These factors become the development of various pathologies in the body. During pregnancy, they are treated with special care.

Risks to the fetus and mother

High blood pressure negatively affects the course of pregnancy. The importance of its normalization is dictated by a large list of risks and possible consequences.

In the 1st trimester

1. Impaired blood supply in the pelvic area, placenta, and tissues in the fetus.
2. Fetal hypoxia.
3. Slow fetal development.
4. Miscarriage.
5. Partial placental abruption.
6. The need to terminate the pregnancy.
7. Development of convulsive syndrome (eclampsia).

In the 2nd trimester

1. Development of gestosis (late toxicosis, renal failure, edema, protein in the urine).
2. Placental abruption with bleeding.
3. Abortion.
4. Death of a child.
5. Hypertensive crisis from gestosis.
6. Development of pathologies in a child.

In the 3rd trimester

1. Hypertensive crisis.
2. Perinatal death of a child.
3. Death of mother and child due to blood loss.
4. Retinal detachment.
5. Early birth, prematurity.
6. C-section.

What to do if blood pressure constantly rises?

There are many ways to return high blood pressure to normal, and in most cases they are safe for the development of the fetus (with the right approach).

Proper nutrition

During pregnancy, high blood pressure can be reduced by eating foods rich in magnesium. In some cases, the doctor prescribes a protein diet with no simple carbohydrates.
They cope well with pressure at any time:

• dairy products;
• fatty fish (halibut);
• chicken eggs;
• nuts;
• dried fruits;
• vegetables (eggplant, potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers);
• fruits (melons, apples, citruses);
• berries (cranberries);
• bran;
• olive and coconut oil;
• cereals;
• legumes;
• greenery.

Traditional medicine

Various decoctions of inflorescences, berries, seeds, etc. are considered an effective remedy for combating high blood pressure. During pregnancy, people often drink infusions (water) of rose hips, pumpkin decoctions, freshly squeezed viburnum juice and fruit juice.

An infusion of peony flowers, mint leaves, motherwort or valerian root is also often used.
In later stages, follow strict instructions when using such medicine.

Medicines

Reducing high blood pressure with the help of medications is allowed only in consultation with a gynecologist.

Depending on the causes of pressure, various medications are prescribed:

• diuretics, thiazides (diuretics: canephron, phytolysin, clopamide, indapamide);
• vasodilators (hydralazine, methyldopa, dopegit);
• calcium antagonist drugs (verapamil, isradipine, nifedipine, normodipine);
• adrenaline beta blockers (metoprolol, atenolol, labetalol, besiprolol);
• Magnesium B6 tablets, Magnerot;
• vitamin complexes for pregnant women.

IMPORTANT. The most commonly prescribed drugs are papazole (the safest and most effective), dopegyt, methyldop, aldomet (they reduce blood pressure to its normal level).

Which pills to take in the third trimester depends on the emergency of the situation. For mild ailments, it is advised to move less and ventilate the premises often. At week 40, in case of high blood pressure, hospitalization is necessary; tablets are selected strictly individually.

Breathing exercises

Breathing exercises at any stage of pregnancy are advisable for many reasons. Correct breathing technique has a relaxing effect, relaxes muscles, and improves blood flow.

It is worth taking into account that gynecologists recommend taking courses on teaching proper breathing during childbirth. The ability to “breathe” will set the mother up for a more painless birth.

• In the first trimester, classes improve the functioning of the digestive organs and circulatory system. This helps restore pressure to normal.
• In the second (trimester) - lung function improves. Due to the increase in fetal volume, the internal organs (especially the lungs and diaphragm) are slightly displaced and compressed. Breathing techniques help restore the previous volumes of air intake.
• In the last trimester, gymnastics prevents the development of fetal hypoxia by normalizing intrauterine pressure.

Yoga

During pregnancy, it is a way to strengthen the back muscles, get rid of swelling of the legs, and improve blood circulation. With a special technique, there are no negative consequences for the child (until birth).

Before enrolling in yoga courses, you should find out whether it is dangerous for the mother's health. High blood pressure (chronic) coupled with obesity, polyhydramnios, increased uterine tone or an excess of hormones are direct contraindications.

The reasons for the ineffective effect of yoga on pregnant women (with high blood pressure) are diseases affecting hormonal levels and the urinary system.

Other options

Effective measures to reduce high blood pressure during pregnancy are a variety of physical activities and activities (trainings). To improve your well-being, it is not necessary to sign up for fitness and gymnastics clubs for pregnant women. It is enough to determine your own set of exercises by consulting with your doctor about which exercises are safe and what is strictly prohibited.

Water aerobics and regular swimming in the pool are suitable for reducing blood pressure.

In modern medical centers, pregnant women are provided with herbal medicine and hirudotherapy services. These sessions reduce blood pressure, just like effective medications. In the first case, plant herbs are used, which reduce blood pressure by 10–15 points. In the second case, leeches are placed (in the vaginal and pelvic areas). Several sessions of hirudotherapy help improve blood circulation and normalize blood pressure.

Fast walking, frequent walks, tourism and positive emotions are considered an easier way to maintain the body's performance during pregnancy. Expectant mothers should take into account that during flights, blood pressure rises significantly. The main signs of high blood pressure at altitude are stuffy ears, anxiety and oxygen deprivation. Before the flight, learn basic techniques for overcoming such symptoms.

Childbirth with chronic hypertension

For women with any form of hypertension (prehypertension), natural childbirth may be contraindicated for various reasons. Most often, a caesarean section is performed. If aortic dissection or abnormal cerebral blood flow is detected, the pregnancy is terminated by abdominal caesarean section.

Emergency conditions

Emergency hospitalization of a pregnant woman at any stage is carried out if the blood pressure exceeds 30 points.

If hypertension is present, pregnancy is often interrupted for health reasons (induced labor).

The following ends with an emergency interruption:

• severe forms of gestosis and its consequences;
• deteriorating condition of the fetus;
• retinal disinsertion;
• stroke or heart attack due to pressure;
• bleeding.

Useful video

You can find out more information about high blood pressure during pregnancy in the video below:

High blood pressure during pregnancy is a serious reason to consult not only with a gynecologist. Neglect of the situation threatens abnormal development of the fetus or hypoxia. To normalize blood pressure, it is recommended to use only safe methods. In case of severe and chronic diseases associated with high blood pressure, a woman is not allowed to give birth on her own. In rare cases, hypertension during pregnancy causes irreversible consequences in the female body, leading to the death of both mother and child.