Chronic Hypertension - What is it?
You have 'chronic hypertension' if you have high blood pressure before you become pregnant or if it's diagnosed before the 20th week of pregnancy. If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure for the first time during pregnancy and it continues for several weeks after the baby is delivered, you may also have what is called chronic hypertension and you will need to be treated. With guidance from your doctor you may begin making lifestyle changes or taking medication to get your pressure under good control.
What you can do
If you have chronic hypertension and you are thinking about becoming pregnant, you should get counseling from your doctor. You may need to allow at least six months to make important lifestyle changes before becoming pregnant.
Women with chronic hypertension who take medication to control their blood pressure before becoming pregnant often can keep taking it during pregnancy under their doctor's care.
If you are on medication now, consult with your doctor to see if it is all right for you to continue to take it during pregnancy or if your medication should be changed. Some blood pressure medications are not safe to take during pregnancy, as they may be harmful to the developing fetus.
There is hope
You shouldn't assume that because you have chronic hypertension, you couldn't have a baby. Many women who are hypertensive have normal pregnancies and deliver healthy babies.
Most pregnancies in chronically hypertensive women result in healthy, full-term infants. However, there are risks associated with this condition and pregnancy. The risk of "superimposed preeclampsia"--preeclampsia developing on top of chronic hypertension--is estimated to be from 10 to 20 percent. Preeclampsia is a serious condition that can threaten both mother and child.
Your doctor must take into account a number of factors when discussing the possibility of pregnancy. These can include:
- Your overall health status
- How long you have had high blood pressure
- The severity of your high blood pressure
- Whether you have other health conditions such as diabetes, kidney or blood vessel problems.
Chronic Hypertension |