What is Gestational Hypertension? And How Can You Prevent it?

Gestational hypertension is a condition in which your blood pressure rises above 140/90mm of Hg during the second half of pregnancy. It is temporary and goes away after delivery of the baby. Women with gestational hypertension generally give rise to healthy kids. But it can be dangerous at times. Therefore, it needs proper attention. If you are pregnant and your blood pressure remains higher than the normal level, visit the best gynecologist in Karachi.

Every woman should get screened for high blood pressure during pregnancy to prevent any life-threatening condition. You should yourself keep an eye on your blood pressure and blood sugar levels while you are pregnant.

Visit the doctor frequently and also get your essential parameters checked. Gestational hypertension can turn into pre-eclampsia, a condition in which protein occurs in your urine.

Why gestational hypertension needs attention?

High blood pressure during pregnancy may affect blood flow to your vital organs like the liver, kidney, placenta, uterus, and lungs. If left untreated, it can turn into severe gestational hypertension (blood pressure above 160/110mm of Hg), which can result in conditions like placental abruption (detachment oof placenta from the uterus), intrauterine growth restrictions, stillbirth, and other fetal problems.

Severe gestational hypertension can cause seizures. Therefore, the healthcare providers may deliver your child before 37 weeks of gestation. Gestational diabetes, if not treated at the right time, can become life-threatening for the mother as well as the baby.

What are the symptoms of gestational hypertension? 

The following are the most common signs and symptoms of gestational hypertension. However, they may differ from woman to woman.

  • Changes in kidney function test
  • Pain in the right side of the abdomen
  • Blood pressure higher than normal
  • Sudden weight gain
  • Swelling in legs and ankle
  • Blurred vision or change in vision
  • Headache that does not go away
  • Passing little amount of urine

How can you prevent gestational diabetes? 

Gestational diabetes is not preventable. But taking some actions may help you in doing that. The following are some of them.

Eat a diet low in sodium.

During pregnancy and otherwise, eat a diet that is low in sodium content. Since sodium plays a role in elevating blood pressure, restricting its intake can help in preventing high blood pressure. Moreover, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. They help you in keeping yourself fit and healthy. Also, drink lots of water.

Take prenatal vitamins

During pregnancy, your nutritional need increases. Since a human is being produced inside your body, you need to take enough nutrition to satisfy your and your baby’s need as well. Ensure that you take prenatal vitamins.

Alternatively, you can also find many more products from the Organic nutrition products online for fitness range.

According to experts, taking folic acid and calcium during pregnancy can help in preventing gestational hypertension. They have other benefits as well for you and your developing baby. Therefore, make sure you take folic acid and calcium supplements during pregnancy.

Healthy weight

Before conception, you need to plan out things. If you are overweight or obese, try to shed some extra pounds. Since being overweight and obese increases the risk of gestational hypertension, you can lower it by losing weight before getting pregnant. However, do not try to lose weight while you are pregnant.

Keep yourself moving

During pregnancy, if everything is fine, then there is no reason to rest. Mostly, pregnant women who keep themselves moving have a healthy pregnancy. Incorporate exercise and physical activity into your routine. It will help in lowering the risk of gestational hypertension. Before incorporating exercise in your routine, always consult with your healthcare provider first.

Stop smoking and drinking alcohol.

It is hard for people who are addicted to smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol to leave it. But they are bad for your developing baby. They can increase the risk of hypertension and other various health conditions. Therefore, try to quit them. If you are facing difficulty in doing that, seek help from a professional.

Conclusion

Gestation hypertension is a condition in which your blood pressure remains higher than normal. Healthcare professionals can manage it through medicines. But treating it is necessary. Left untreated, it can result in life-threatening conditions. It is not preventable, but some tips may help in lowering the risk.

Make sure you visit a gynecologist for follow up visits during pregnancy. Get your blood pressure and blood sugar levels checked frequently even if they remain normal. You can also do that at home. If you are suffering from any of the above-mentioned symptoms, visit a top gynecologist in Rawalpindi.