Gestational hypertension (high blood pressure)
About Gestational hypertension (high blood pressure)
Elevated blood pressure after the 20th week of pregnancy. It occurs in 6-7% of all pregnancies, and is most commonly seen with the woman's first pregnancy. If left untreated it can cause damage to the kidneys, heart, and brain. The disorder can also lead to pre-eclampsia, a serious complication of pregnancy that may lead to seizures, bleeding, and other problems. Women with gestational hypertension also have a higher incidence of having premature deliveries and low birth weight babies.Symptoms
Headache, dizziness. Often, there are no symptoms.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed, including frequent measures of the blood pressure.Common tests: BHCG, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), EKG, Urinalysis (UA), Ultrasound.
Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
Therapy depends on how high the blood pressure is and the age of the pregnancy. Treatment includes: antihypertensive medications, decreased salt intake, observation and close follow-up, and/or early delivery of the baby.Medical specialties
Obstetrics and Gynecology
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Gestational hypertension (high blood pressure).