Hypertension--better known as high blood pressure--is a condition that may develop before or after conception. While dangerous to anyone, it can cause many complications for expectant mothers, which is why your doctor monitors your blood pressure carefully at each visit. Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia are the most severe forms of pregnancy induced hypertension, according to Pregnancy-info, and is the leading cause of both infant and maternal death in the United States.
Placental Abruption
Placental abruption is a condition in which the placenta separates either partially or completely from the wall of the uterus before the baby is due to be delivered, according to the March of Dimes.
As the Mayo Clinic explains, the placenta is the main source of both nutrients and oxygen for the baby; when an abruption occurs, the baby is deprived of these, presenting a life-threatening situation for him.
In severe cases, when the placenta has separated completely, heavy bleeding and shock typically occurs, both of which poses a health risk for both mother and baby. The March of Dimes states that the most common symptom of placental abruption is vaginal bleeding, typically occurring after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It is recommended that any type of bleeding be reported immediately to your doctor.
Premature Delivery
Both the Mayo Clinic and the March of Dimes concur that high blood pressure can result in premature delivery of the baby (prior to 37 weeks of pregnancy), resulting in a whole host of health complications for the baby.
The March of Dimes explains that regardless of any treatment used to lower blood pressure during pregnancy, an early delivery may be necessary to prevent complications; complications which may present life-threatening complications for both mother and baby. Unfortunately, early delivery is accompanied by its own health risks for the baby as well.
One example of these possible complications is a baby born under weight. In some cases, depending on how premature the baby is, the baby is at a greater risk for lasting developmental and learning disabilities, including cerebral palsy.
Low Birthweight
Low birth weight occurs as a direct result of the mother's high blood pressure narrowing the blood vessels in the uterus. When this happens, the baby does not receive the nutrients it needs, nor does it receive the necessary amounts of oxygen. Lack of both of these inhibits the baby's ability to grow, resulting in a baby who is born under weight. As described by the March of Dimes, this is a baby who weighs less than 5 1/2 pounds.
Possible Cardiovascular Disease
The Mayo Clinic states that women who develop pre-eclampsia during pregnancy have a greater risk of developing some type of cardiovascular disease later in life, even if their blood pressure returns to normal after delivery.
Pre-Eclampsia
Pre-eclampsia, according to the Pre-eclampsia Foundation, is a condition characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine.
It affects between 5 and 8 percent of all pregnancies, typically occurring after week 20. Aside from high blood pressure, its other symptoms include sudden weight gain, swelling and headaches. Changes in vision may also occur.
Pre-eclampsia is the leading cause of death for both mothers and infants, with estimates of 76,000 maternal deaths and 500,000 infant deaths every year.
