- Normal blood pressure is anything less than 120/80. Readings of 120-139/80-89 are considered prehypertension and anything over 140/90 is considered high blood pressure (hypertension). The normal range of blood pressure is the same for pregnant women as it is for everyone else.
- Some women develop high blood pressure while they are pregnant. If it develops after their 20th week of pregnancy, it is called gestational hypertension. Women who experience gestational hypertension usually find that their blood pressure returns to normal after they give birth.
- Women who develop high blood pressure before their 20th week of pregnancy, or whose blood pressure remains high for at least 12 weeks after they give birth are considered to have chronic hypertension. This condition is more serious than gestational hypertension and should be treated by a physician.
- Women who have either gestational hypertension or chronic hypertension are at risk for preeclampsia and eclampsia. Preeclampsia is diagnosed when a pregnant woman has high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Symptoms include headaches and swelling. If left untreated, preeclampsia can lead to eclampsia, which is a serious condition that causes seizers and can lead to serious injury or the death of the fetus and the mother in severe cases. In addition to these very serious conditions, low birth weight and an early delivery can also result from high blood pressure during pregnancy.
- Older pregnant women, women who are pregnant with multiples and women who had high blood pressure before becoming pregnant are most at risk of developing preeclampsia and eclampsia. Pregnant women in these categories should have their blood pressure checked regularly.
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