How common is Hypertension During Pregnancy

Hypertension is also called high blood pressure. High blood pressure means that the force of your blood moving in your body is too strong. When you are pregnant, this condition should be watched carefully. It can cause problems for you and your baby.

Follow these instructions at home:

Eating and drinking

• Drink enough fluid to keep your pee (urine) pale yellow.
• Avoid caffeine.

Lifestyle

• Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your doctor.
• Do not use alcohol or drugs.
• Avoid stress.
• Rest and get plenty of sleep.

General instructions

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
• While lying down, lie on your left side. This keeps pressure off your major blood vessels.
• While sitting or lying down, raise (elevate) your feet. Try putting some pillows under your lower legs.
• Exercise regularly. Ask your doctor what kinds of exercise are best for you.
• Keep all prenatal and follow-up visits as told by your doctor. This is important.

Contact a doctor if:

• You have symptoms that your doctor told you to watch for, such as:
  • Throwing up (vomiting).
  • Feeling sick to your stomach (nausea).
  • Headache.

Get help right away if you have:

• Very bad belly pain that does not get better with treatment.
• A very bad headache that does not get better.
• Throwing up that does not get better with treatment.
• Sudden, fast weight gain.
• Sudden swelling in your hands, ankles, or face.
• Bleeding from your vagina.
• Blood in your pee.
• Fewer movements from your baby than usual.
• Blurry vision.
• Double vision.
• Muscle twitching.
• Sudden muscle tightening (spasms).
• Trouble breathing.
• Blue fingernails or lips.

Summary

• Hypertension is also called high blood pressure. High blood pressure means that the force of your blood moving in your body is too strong.
• When you are pregnant, this condition should be watched carefully. It can cause problems for you and your baby.
• Get help right away if you have symptoms that your doctor told you to watch for.