Two types of high blood pressure can cause problems during pregnancy. Chronic hypertension refers to blood pressure that is high before pregnancy and remains high during and after pregnancy. Pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) refers to blood pressure that becomes high during pregnancy, usually after the 20th week.
Women with chronic hypertension have a greater risk of developing PIH. Left untreated, PIH increases a number of health risks for mother and baby. As you care provider monitors your blood pressure, tracks your weight gain and checks your urine for protein, we can recognize and treat PIH before it becomes a problem.
Symptoms:
- Unusual or excessive swelling in your face and/or hands
- Severe or constant headaches
- Blurred vision or spots in front of your eyes
- Sudden weight gain of more than one pound a day for several days
- Persistent pain in the upper right part of your abdomen
Be sure to keep all prenatal appointments. Call your care provider or Family Maternity Center if you experience any of the symptoms.
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