Hypertension in Pregnancy
Pre-Eclampsia (Hypertension in pregnancy) is the most likely problem likely to happen during your pregnancy. In fact 2 or 3 percent pregnant women have Pregnancy induced hypertension.
Monica Stewaet from Denver, Colorado had Pre-Eclampsia (Hypertension in pregnancy) during her second pregnancy. She found out on her fourth prenatal visit. As she found out, first pregnancy, a new sexual partner, and time since your last pregnancy of less than 2 years or more than 10 years increase your chances of Pre-Eclampsia (Hypertension in pregnancy).
Other risk factors for Pre-Eclampsia (Hypertension in pregnancy) are chronic hypertension, preexisting diabetes, type 1, diabetes with microvascular disease and obesity.
Pre-Eclampsia (Hypertension in pregnancy) might not cause any symptoms. However, it can cause visual disturbances like scintillations (flashes of light) and scotomata (blind spots) – probably from spasm of cerebral arteries, upper abdominal pain from swelling and inflammation of the liver, headache and rapid weight gain. Upper abdominal pain might suddenly occur and is usually constant and fairly severe. Headaches are often in the front, throbbing and similar to migrane headaches.
The problem with Pre-Eclampsia (Hypertension in pregnancy) is that it can cause thromboembolism (blood clots), kidney failure, two dangerous problems with blood clots called disseminated intravascular coagulation and consumptive coagulopathy and even death of the mother. In fact, from 1991 to 1999 over 15% of the deaths of women during pregnancy were caused by Pre-Eclampsia (Hypertension in pregnancy).
There are three types of Pre-Eclampsia (Hypertension in pregnancy): Chronic Hypertension, Preeclampsia and Transient hypertension.
Chronic Hypertension
Most of the time chronic hypertension has no other cause. But, it can be caused by kidney disease like polycystic kidneys, glomerular or interstitial disease, hormone problems such as adrenocorticosteroid or mineralocorticoid excess, pheochromocytoma, hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, too much parathyroid hormone or even using oral contraceptives.
Preeclampsia
Nobody knows for sure what causes preeclampsia. One thing that we know is that it is caused by a problem with the inside lining of the blood vessels. This causes the blood vessels to spasm. When the arteries get smaller, the blood pressure increases. The damage also causes the blood vessels to leak causing swelling. It can cause problems with the brain, lungs and kidneys. These changes also can cause lower blood flow to the growing baby.
Transient hypertension
The elevated blood pressure called transient hypertension just happens late in pregnancy. Then after delivery, the blood pressure goes back to normal. But, it probably increases your chances of getting high blood pressure later in life.
Pre-Eclampsia (Hypertension in pregnancy) is one of the major reasons that you should keep your regular appointments with your obstetrician.
