Health Alert: Why High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy is Dangerous

High blood pressure during pregnancy can put both mothers and babies at risk. If it is not detected and managed well, it can lead to serious problems.

Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is high blood pressure that starts during pregnancy, usually after the first half. It can become more severe, leading to conditions like pre-eclampsia.

A 2024 study called “Prevalence and determinants of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in Nigeria: a multi-centre study” looked at 71,758 women in 54 health facilities across Nigeria. It found that 6.4 percent of these women had hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.

In this study, gestational hypertension was the most common, making up 49.8 percent of the cases. Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia accounted for 9.5 percent and 7 percent respectively.

Lewis Aituma, a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, spoke with PT Health Watch. He said that pregnancy-induced hypertension is a big reason for bad outcomes for both mothers and babies.

Causes of PIH

Mr Aituma noted that there is no single cause of this condition. But several factors can raise a woman’s risk.

He mentioned previous cases of PIH, first pregnancies, older age, diabetes, kidney disease, a long gap between pregnancies, family history of high blood pressure, multiple pregnancies, and obesity as risk factors.

The Nigerian study also found that women over 35 years, women who had never given birth, women with many previous births, and those with a past cesarean section or miscarriage were more likely to develop hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.

Watch out for warning signs

Mr Aituma advised pregnant women to check their blood pressure regularly and be alert for rising numbers.

He also said women should report symptoms like persistent headaches, blurred vision, abnormal heartbeat, chest pain, and rapid swelling in the legs.

“Such symptoms should warrant an emergency visit to the Obstetrician for expert evaluation and management,” he said.

Some women with pregnancy-related hypertension may not show clear symptoms. This makes regular antenatal checks very important.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends checking blood pressure during pregnancy. Early detection and treatment of hypertensive disorders can help prevent serious complications.

How it affects mother, baby

If PIH is not spotted and managed properly, Mr Aituma said it can lead to pre-eclampsia and serious complications for the mother. These include eclampsia, seizures, stroke, and kidney failure.

For the baby, it can increase the chances of premature birth, poor growth, fetal death, and early separation of the placenta.

The Nigerian study found that 11.9 percent of pregnancies affected by hypertensive disorders ended in stillbirth. Also, 3.7 percent of women with these disorders died.

The researchers concluded that hypertensive disorders during pregnancy remain a big health concern in Nigeria. WHO also lists preterm birth, restricted fetal growth, placental abruption, and maternal or fetal death as possible complications of severe hypertensive disorders in pregnancy.

Managing the condition

Mr Aituma said treatment depends on how severe the condition is and how far along the pregnancy is.

“For less severe forms, we focus on controlling blood pressure and preventing complications until delivery,” he said.

He explained that in early pregnancies, doctors may try to prolong them safely. But for later pregnancies, “the focus is on conducting a delivery.”

In severe cases, the priority is to control the woman’s blood pressure, prevent seizures, and deliver the baby when needed.

WHO also recommends close monitoring, treating high blood pressure, and timely delivery based on the severity and stage of the pregnancy.

Reducing the risk

Mr Aituma said keeping a healthy weight, exercising, making good lifestyle choices, and attending regular antenatal visits can help reduce risks.

He also advised pregnant women to check their blood pressure often and report any worrying symptoms immediately.

“Overall, the outlook is good when detected early. Women should look out for common symptoms in pregnancy and report them quickly to their Obstetrician for action,” Mr Aituma noted.