Any new sign or symptom during early pregnancy can be frightening, especially if you are having your first child. During the first trimester, rapid growth of the baby will increase the work done by mom's body. Natural fluctuations in blood pressure may cause falsely elevated readings, but there is no need to panic if you are diagnosed with high blood pressure. Instead, work with your physician to identify the cause and plan of prenatal care to keep you and your baby healthy.
Chronic Hypertension
Discovery of high blood pressure before 20 weeks of pregnancy may be an indication of chronic high blood pressure later in life. According to the Mayo Clinic, the workload on your heart almost doubles during early pregnancy with a 30-50% increase in blood volume. This form of high blood pressure is different from gestational high blood pressure, which is usually found after 20 weeks and is not a lifelong condition.
Existing Health Conditions
The mother's age, health history and diagnosis will impact her blood pressure readings in early pregnancy. Mothers over the age of 40 are susceptible to pre-gestational high blood pressure and heart disease. Known cardiac health problems, like congestive heart failure, will be exacerbated by the pregnancy and can elevate blood pressure early on.
Preeclampsia
According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, preeclampsia occurs in 6 to 8 percent of all pregnancies. This gestational lasts only during pregnancy and is indicated by elevated blood pressure in the second trimester and ketones in the urine. Preeclampsia can lead to seizures, stroke and death if untreated. Women with a history of preeclampsia will show the symptoms earlier in subsequent pregnancies. A mother with known preeclampsia and increasing blood pressure early in pregnancy needs prompt medical care.
Tobacco Use
Using any form of tobacco while pregnant increases the risks for the health of both mother and baby. Nicotine, the addictive chemical in cigarettes, increases your blood pressure and heart rate each time you smoke. According to Medline Plus, the benefits of quitting smoking, including lowered blood pressure, begin very quickly after you stop smoking.
