Gestational hypertension is a high blood pressure condition developed during pregnancy. It is often developed after 20 weeks of pregnancy and is seen among 6% of pregnant women. This condition never causes any organ damage to the mother and is usually seen to drift away after childbirth.

For most women, it doesn’t cause any damage, but there are few cases where it gets developed into preeclampsia (the condition where complications for mother and baby are seen). Recognizing and treating gestational hypertension results in a safe pregnancy.

Here is everything you need to know about gestational hypertension, its symptoms, and its effects.

Effect of gestational hypertension on pregnancy

Although women with gestational hypertension can have successful labor with a healthy newborn, there are fewer chances of complications. These include, 

1. Prevailing poor fetal growth and stillbirth conditions.
2. Placental abruptions that pull away the placenta from the uterus. 
3. High chances of developing eclampsia.

Who is more susceptible to gestational hypertension

The exact reasons for gestational hypertension are not known. However, the following characterizations are at higher risk when compared to others.

1. Having high blood pressure in the past pregnancy  
2. History of kidney diseases or diabetes
3. Multiple pregnancy condition (twins, triplets or multiples)
4. When the mother age is younger than 20 or older than 40 while bearing pregnancy 
5. Pre-existing hypertension (before pregnancy itself)

Symptoms observed for gestational hypertension. 

The symptoms of gestational hypertension are different for different pregnant women. There are no symptoms for women also. However, the following are the most common symptoms observed in most of the cases.

1. Increased blood pressure from the second trimester 
2. Absence or very minute presence of protein in the urine
3. Mothers can experience the visual changes that include blurred or double vision
4. Experience pain in the upper right or below the belly 
5. Urinating decreases gradually and is often observed in passing small amounts 
6. A sudden or over gain of weight in the second trimester
7. Continuous headache that never subsides 

Treatment for gestational hypertension

Based on the overall health conditions of the mother, a specific treatment is picked for gestational hypertension. Also, based upon the severity, either the bed rest or hospitalization is suggested for the quick stabilizing of mother.

Early identification of the symptoms will highly help in the risk-free pregnancy.  Reach out to your doctor who can help you deal with the situation without enhancing the further complications.
However, always remember gestational hypertension is entirely different from chronic hypertension (pre-existing hypertension before pregnancy), and requires different care and medical attention. 

*Information shared here is for general purpose. Please take doctors’ advice before taking any decision.