Gestational hypertension: symptoms, causes, treatment, etc.

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What is gestational hypertension?

Gestational hypertension is a condition when the blood pressure is higher than normal during pregnancy and will disappear after delivery.

This condition occurs when the gestational age enters 20 weeks or more and does not experience proteinuria. A protein contained in the urine.

If signs of hypertension are present before pregnancy, which then continues during pregnancy, the condition is classified as chronic hypertension.

Gestational hypertension is one of the types of hypertension in pregnancy.

In cases that are severe enough, sufferers have the possibility to experience preeclampsia and eclampsia. Both are other forms of hypertension in pregnancy.

If not treated immediately, this condition is at risk of endangering the mother and the future baby.

How common is gestational hypertension?

Quoting from the Children Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), about 6 percent of pregnant women experience an increase in blood pressure, or about 3 cases in 50 pregnancies.

As many as one third of pregnant women with this condition show symptoms of preeclampsia which is also another type of hypertension during pregnancy.

Gestational hypertension can be overcome by controlling the existing risk factors.

To find out more information about current health conditions, you can consult a doctor.

Signs and symptoms of gestational hypertension

Generally, ordinary hypertension does not always show certain signs and symptoms.

In the case of gestational hypertension, the signs and symptoms in each patient may be different, but the symptoms will appear while the pregnancy is in progress.

The main signs and symptoms are of course:

• High blood pressure when the womb is over 20 weeks
• No protein in the urine (proteinuria)
• Headache
• Dizzy
• Edema (swelling)
• Weight gain unnaturally
• Blurred or blurry vision
• Excessive nausea and vomiting
• Pain in the upper right side of the stomach
• Urinating less and less

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about certain symptoms, consult a doctor immediately.

When should I see a doctor?

You should immediately consult a doctor or hospital if you experience the symptoms mentioned above. Especially if you feel dizzy and your eyes blurred.

Each sufferer's body shows signs and symptoms that vary.

In order to get the most appropriate treatment and in accordance with your health condition, check with your doctor or the nearest health service center.

Causes of gestational hypertension

Gestational hypertension is a health condition where the exact cause is not known.

However, there are several factors that can increase a person's risk for developing this condition.

The following are risk factors that can lead to gestational hypertension:

• Pregnant for the first time.
• Pregnant under 20 years of age or over 40 years.
• Pregnant with more than one baby, such as twins or triplets.
• Have diabetes.
• Suffering from kidney disease.
• Suffering from hypertension before becoming pregnant, or in a previous pregnancy.

It is important to know that having one or more risk factors does not mean you will definitely be exposed to a disease or have certain health conditions.

Risk factors are conditions that can increase a person's chances of contracting the disease.

Complications of gestational hypertension

High blood pressure can affect your blood vessels. This condition can reduce blood flow to the body's organs, such as the liver, kidneys, brain, uterus, and placenta.

If not treated immediately, gestational hypertension can lead to preeclampsia and eclampsia.

Both of these conditions are a much more serious increase in blood pressure in pregnant women.

In addition, various health complications that may occur are:

• Placental abruption, when the placenta detaches from the uterine wall before the baby is born.
• The disruption of fetal growth and development.
• The baby dies in the womb (stillbirth).
• Mother and baby lost their lives.

Considering the risk of these complications, the medical team may require that pregnant women deliver their babies earlier, that is, before 37 weeks.

In fact, even if the blood pressure returns to normal levels after giving birth, you have the chance to suffer from high blood pressure again in the next pregnancy.

How do doctors diagnose gestational hypertension?

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

The doctor will do tests to check for problems or potential complications before you experience signs of childbirth. The examinations are:

Fetal examination

Gestational hypertension does not only affect pregnant women, but also the fetus. Some that should be checked are:

• Count fetal movements (how often it moves and kicks).
• Nonstress test to measure the baby's heart rate in response to movement.
• Biophysical examination that combines a nonstress test with ultrasound.
• Sound wave examination to measure the baby's blood through the veins

Examination of the fetus is very important to monitor its development.

Urine test

The doctor or health worker will perform urine and blood tests at each consultation for pregnancy checks.

The urine test also serves to determine whether there is kidney failure or not.

This will show whether your hypertension is getting worse or better.

In addition, the doctor will also carry out several additional examinations, namely:

• Check for any unnatural swelling.
• More frequent weight checks.
• Liver and kidney function tests.
• Blood clotting test.

Blood pressure can be said to be high if it is at certain systolic and diastolic numbers.

The systolic number is a number that shows the pressure when the heart pumps blood.

While the diastolic number shows the pressure when the heart is resting and not pumping blood.

Blood pressure calculations are usually categorized as follows, quoting from the Mayo Clinic:

• Increased blood pressure (prehypertension): The systolic number is in the range 120-129 mmHg and the diastolic number is below 80 mmHg. This condition is not classified as hypertension.
• Stage 1 hypertension: If the systolic number is in the 130-139 mmHg range or the diastolic value is in the 80-89 mmHg range, you may have stage 1 hypertension.
• Stage 2 hypertension: If the systolic number reaches 140 mmHg or more and the diastolic reaches 90 mmHg or more, you may have stage 2 hypertension.

In gestational hypertension, an increase in blood pressure usually occurs after the fetus is more than 20 weeks old.

In addition, usually high blood pressure in pregnant women can be categorized as gestational if the blood pressure decreases 3 months after the mother gives birth.

How is gestational hypertension treated?

There are several high blood pressure drugs that are safe for consumption by pregnant women.

However, pregnant women should avoid drugs angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors , angiotensin II receptor blockers , as well renin inhibitors .

Treatment of gestational hypertension is very important in order to avoid the risk of heart attack, stroke and other diseases.

In addition, blood pressure that is too high is also dangerous for the health of the fetus.

If you really need blood pressure-lowering drugs during pregnancy, your doctor will prescribe the most appropriate dose for your condition.

Plus, make sure you take your medicine according to a doctor's prescription. Do not stop taking your medication or adjust your dose at your own pace.

Home remedies for gestational hypertension

To deal with gestational hypertension and reduce the risk of complications, you can follow the tips below:

• Routinely check the womb to the doctor.
• Take antihypertensive drugs according to a doctor's prescription
• Active physical activities in accordance with the conditions.
• Eat nutritious, low-salt, low-fat foods.
• Drink 8-12 glasses of water a day.
• Enough rest.
• Avoid smoking, alcohol, and always consult a doctor about consuming over-the-counter drugs (over-the-counter).

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.

How to prevent gestational hypertension?

Actually, there is no specific way that can prevent this condition from occurring in pregnant women.

There are several things you can do to control high blood pressure, but some are not.

However, doctors will usually ask for diet changes and more exercise to prevent gestational hypertension, such as:

• Plenty of rest
• Use a little salt only for flavor
• Increase the amount of protein and reduce fried foods
• Don't drink caffeine-containing drinks (coffee and tea)

The doctor will prescribe it as an additional supplement.