Summary about Disease
Gestational hypertension is high blood pressure that develops during pregnancy in women who previously had normal blood pressure. It typically begins after 20 weeks of gestation. It is a type of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy that can lead to serious complications for both mother and baby if left untreated.
Symptoms
Many women with gestational hypertension have no noticeable symptoms. However, some may experience:
Severe headaches
Vision changes (blurred vision, spots)
Upper abdominal pain
Nausea or vomiting
Swelling (edema), especially in the face and hands (though mild swelling is common in pregnancy)
Sudden weight gain
Shortness of breath
Decreased urine output
Causes
The exact cause of gestational hypertension is unknown, but several factors are believed to contribute:
Abnormal blood vessel development in the placenta
Genetic factors
Dietary factors
High body mass index (BMI)
Pre-existing conditions like kidney disease or diabetes
Medicine Used
Treatment options may include:
Antihypertensive medications: Such as labetalol, nifedipine, or methyldopa, to lower blood pressure. The choice of medication depends on individual patient factors.
Magnesium sulfate: Administered intravenously to prevent seizures (eclampsia) in severe cases or in those at high risk.
Corticosteroids: May be given to help mature the baby's lungs if preterm delivery is anticipated.
Diuretics: In some cases, carefully monitored diuretics might be considered.
Is Communicable
No, gestational hypertension is not communicable. It is not an infectious disease and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Regular prenatal care appointments to monitor blood pressure.
Adhering to prescribed medications and lifestyle recommendations.
Eating a healthy diet with limited sodium.
Engaging in light to moderate exercise as approved by your doctor.
Getting enough rest.
Avoiding alcohol and tobacco.
Monitoring for symptoms of worsening hypertension.
How long does an outbreak last?
Gestational hypertension "outbreak" isn't the right term. Gestational hypertension is diagnosed during pregnancy and typically resolves after delivery of the baby. In some cases, it can persist postpartum or contribute to long-term hypertension.
How is it diagnosed?
Blood pressure monitoring: Elevated blood pressure readings (typically 140/90 mmHg or higher) on two separate occasions, at least 4 hours apart, after 20 weeks of gestation in a woman with previously normal blood pressure.
Urine testing: To check for protein in the urine (proteinuria), which can indicate preeclampsia, a more severe form of hypertensive disorder.
Blood tests: To evaluate kidney and liver function, and to assess for other complications.
Fetal monitoring: To assess the baby's well-being.
Timeline of Symptoms
After 20 weeks: Onset of elevated blood pressure.
Variable: Symptoms may develop gradually or suddenly. Many women have no symptoms.
Throughout pregnancy: Blood pressure may fluctuate and can worsen over time if not managed.
Postpartum: Blood pressure usually returns to normal within a few weeks after delivery, but can sometimes remain elevated.
Important Considerations
Gestational hypertension can progress to preeclampsia, a more severe condition with potential complications such as seizures (eclampsia), stroke, organ damage, and even death for both mother and baby.
Close monitoring of both mother and baby is essential throughout pregnancy and postpartum.
Delivery of the baby is often the definitive treatment for gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, but the timing of delivery depends on the severity of the condition and the gestational age of the baby.
Women with gestational hypertension are at increased risk of developing chronic hypertension and cardiovascular disease later in life.