Hypertension is a common companion of women during pregnancy, when metabolic processes in the body intensify and intra-abdominal pressure increases. High blood pressure in pregnant women threatens to develop serious consequences, including premature birth, miscarriage, and even death. Therefore, it is important to have an idea of which antihypertensive drugs are most effective during pregnancy, whether concomitant treatment is necessary, and many other features of hypertension in women during this wonderful and crucial period.
Therapists at the Yusupov Hospital will help you choose a drug for the treatment of hypertension that is both highly effective and has minimal side effects.
Causes of high blood pressure during pregnancy
Arterial hypertension syndrome in women during pregnancy can be triggered by several factors. Blood pressure in pregnant women increases due to the following changes:
- the location of the heart changes;
- hormonal changes occur - the level of progesterone and estrogen in the blood increases;
- placental blood circulation increases;
- body weight increases;
- the mobility of the diaphragm is limited.
The development of all hemodynamic changes during pregnancy leads to a complex of problems that trigger arterial hypertension syndrome.
Reasons for the downgrade
Severe toxicity in the initial period is accompanied by vomiting, vomiting, and in severe cases causes dehydration and, as a consequence, arterial hypotension. If a woman suffers from poisoning, it is necessary to measure her blood pressure with a tonometer. Factors that can cause hypotension:
- disease;
- stress;
- no mode;
- poor or insufficient sleep;
- unbalanced diet;
- dehydration.
Pressure surges can be caused by: prolonged exposure to the sun or poor ventilation, sudden changes in weather, diseases:
- endocrine disorders;
- gastrointestinal disorders;
- infection;
- heart problems, vascular problems;
- kidney disease, dysfunction of the adrenal glands.
In the absence of pathology, hypotension is one of the symptoms of pregnancy. Mood swings and malaise are typical for women with low blood pressure.
Treatment and hospitalization of pregnant women with hypertension
In order to confirm the diagnosis and select adequate treatment, pregnant women with hypertension syndrome must be hospitalized three times. Antihypertensive drugs during pregnancy are prescribed strictly by the attending physician, who takes into account the duration of pregnancy and possible complications of intrauterine development of the fetus.
- the first hospitalization is carried out in the early stages (up to 12 weeks) - for the purpose of diagnosing hypertension;
- a second hospitalization is planned in the period from 26 to 30 weeks - in order to change therapy;
- The third hospitalization is prescribed a couple of weeks before the birth - to prepare for it.
When gestosis develops against the background of arterial hypertension, the woman requires immediate hospitalization, regardless of how far along the pregnancy she is at that moment.
Arterial hypertension in pregnant women requires constant drug support. Women are prescribed medications, and not only antihypertensives. During pregnancy complicated by high blood pressure, it is recommended to take sedatives, calcium antagonists, beta-blockers, alpha-blockers. In addition, symptomatic therapy is carried out.
In addition to drug therapy, a woman is recommended to follow a special regimen and diet throughout pregnancy.
There are a number of recommendations for pregnant women suffering from arterial hypertension:
- Observing the correct sleep and rest schedule helps to normalize the emotional state - you need to sleep at least 9 hours a day;
- you need to exclude any physical activity;
- A pregnant woman with arterial hypertension syndrome needs to constantly measure her blood pressure.
The nutrition of a pregnant woman, even despite toxicosis, should be complete and nutritious, with a sufficient amount of vitamins, microelements, proteins and antioxidants. It is recommended to include seafood and other foods containing polyunsaturated acids in your diet.
Blood pressure control is the key to the health of mother and child
Often problems with pressure do not manifest themselves until the situation becomes truly threatening. Sometimes pregnant women attribute the deterioration in their health to their “interesting situation” and hormonal changes and fatigue. But pressure surges during such a period can have quite serious causes and dangerous consequences.
The sooner such prerequisites are identified, the easier it will be to normalize the state of health. This is why pregnant women are advised to regularly monitor their blood pressure, especially since it is very easy to do this with modern home blood pressure monitors.
Antihypertensive drugs during pregnancy
Drugs that have an antihypertensive effect during pregnancy must be used very carefully, strictly observing the dosage and duration of the course prescribed by the attending physician, in order to avoid negative effects on the fetus caused by insufficient blood supply to the placenta due to a decrease in blood pressure.
Alpha and beta blockers during pregnancy
Taking beta-blockers is prescribed to prevent premature termination of pregnancy.
There are good reasons to take these drugs:
- beta blockers quickly and effectively reduce blood pressure;
- the risk of side effects when taking drugs of this group for pregnant women is minimal;
- simultaneous use of alpha and beta blockers increases the effectiveness of therapy.
Taking these drugs is undesirable if blood pressure is unstable, due to the fact that they contribute to a sharp decrease in blood pressure.
Calcium antagonists during pregnancy
In the treatment of arterial hypertension syndrome, pregnant women are prescribed drugs - potassium antagonists, which help improve microcirculation and permeability of the heart muscle. These medications can be used no earlier than in the second trimester of pregnancy.
Calcium antagonists have a number of advantages: they minimize the likelihood of having children with insufficient body weight, are absolutely non-toxic to the child, and also reduce the frequency of preeclampsia in early pregnancy.
However, this group of antihypertensive drugs also has a number of disadvantages: blood pressure decreases too quickly, which threatens circulatory disorders in the placenta, the appearance of swelling of the extremities, allergic reactions and dyspeptic disorders.
Diuretics during pregnancy
Diuretic drugs (diuretics) in the treatment of hypertension in pregnant women help reduce blood pressure and eliminate edema. However, like all drugs, diuretics also have side effects associated with a deterioration in the flow of blood into the placenta due to a decrease in fluid volume, additionally caused by early and late gestosis. In addition, while taking diuretics, the electrolyte balance may be disrupted and the concentration of uric acid may increase, which has a negative effect on the condition of the placenta during gestosis.
What pressure is considered low?
According to obstetricians, during pregnancy a slight deviation in pressure can be considered normal; this is due to hormonal changes. A slight drop in pressure means that pregnant women lead a more balanced lifestyle, rest more often, and do not burden themselves emotionally and physically.
If the pressure drops below 90/60, it should be considered low. In the absence of illnesses and good health, there is no particular reason for concern, but be sure to monitor the condition of the fetus. A cause for concern is the mother’s illness, accompanied by ailments:
- feeling of weakness and increased drowsiness;
- frequent headaches and a feeling of heaviness in the temples;
- dizziness that occurs suddenly and unexpectedly when moving;
- rapid pulse and shortness of breath;
- increased sweating.
Hypertensive patients may have such symptoms with blood pressure values of 120/80, so it is impossible to establish general criteria for all pregnant women and accurately determine which blood pressure is low. A drop in pressure in the upper (lower) part of the body by 10 units compared to normal is considered a cause for concern.
Complications of arterial hypertension syndrome in pregnant women
The main danger of arterial hypertension syndrome during pregnancy is a hypertensive crisis. In addition, women are also at risk of other conditions that are dangerous to their health:
- plaques form on the walls of blood vessels, which leads to a significant disruption of the already impaired blood circulation and the supply of necessary substances to the placenta;
- High blood pressure can lead to myocardial infarction, resulting in the death of the child. This occurs due to narrowing of the coronary arteries and insufficient blood flow to the heart;
- arterial hypertension can cause pathological processes in the kidneys, and the development of renal failure may occur due to impaired blood circulation in the kidneys;
- due to impaired blood circulation, central nervous system pathologies may occur: possible development of stroke, chronic failure of brain circulation;
- In addition, pregnant women with arterial hypertension often experience the development of endocrine diseases, visual impairment, metabolic syndrome and many other serious complications.
If a hypertensive crisis occurs, a woman requires immediate treatment.
What can arterial hypertension indicate?
High blood pressure is not always an independent problem; sometimes it is only a symptom of another disease or condition, for example, gestosis. Preeclampsia
- This is a complication of pregnancy, sometimes it is also called “late toxicosis”. A symptom of gestosis is not only high blood pressure, but also swelling, as well as an increased level of protein in the urine. Preeclampsia can lead to failure of the kidneys or other vital organs.
High blood pressure may also indicate fetoplacental insufficiency, i.e. interfere with the flow of oxygen to the fetus. “Oxygen starvation” can cause developmental arrest and death of the unborn child. In addition, high blood pressure can trigger premature placental abruption.
Frequent urge to urinate.
The nerve endings located in the bladder react to even the slightest impact. The growing uterus puts pressure on the bladder during pregnancy, causing a constant desire to visit the restroom. This symptom is often detected at 5-6 weeks of pregnancy after a missed period, but can appear already at the beginning of the first trimester due to individual characteristics. There is evidence that progesterone reduces the tone of the bladder, which affects its physiology.
Dizziness, fainting.
Brief loss of consciousness is usually associated with pressure changes. Even if a woman has never lost consciousness before, she should be especially careful. If you feel dizzy, you should provide access to fresh air: ask those nearby to open the window and ventilate the room. To avoid fainting, try to choose loose clothing made from natural materials that is appropriate for the weather. If your job involves physical labor, then you should consider reducing your workload during the day.
Where does high blood pressure come from?
High blood pressure can accompany a woman during pregnancy if she was previously diagnosed with hypertension. In this case, it is doubly important to monitor your condition and listen to all the doctor’s recommendations. You should not take the same medications that were prescribed before pregnancy, as they may affect the development of the fetus. There are medications that do not have side effects on the baby; your doctor will select them for you.
There are medications for blood pressure that do not have side effects on the baby; your doctor will select them for you.
You can also “acquire” high blood pressure as a result of constant stress, heredity, smoking, overweight or obesity, diabetes mellitus or other concomitant diseases of the kidneys, thyroid gland, adrenal glands, or pituitary gland. In any case, consultation with a specialist is necessary to minimize the risk of developing hypertension while expecting a child. To do this, it is advisable at the stage of pregnancy planning to eliminate all provoking factors, cure concomitant diseases, and get rid of bad habits.
High blood pressure: is it so dangerous?
High blood pressure leads to changes in tissues and organs, primarily affecting the cardiovascular system. At the same time, the baby is also involved in this process - the mother’s pressure prevents the correct formation of organs, as a result of which the child may develop congenital defects of the heart, blood vessels, circulatory system, etc. So, what are the pathological conditions associated with high blood pressure in the mother? can affect the baby's health? As a result of hypertension, disturbances in the blood supply to the placenta occur - preeclampsia
.
The main symptoms to look out for are: persistent headaches, stomach pain, vision changes such as blurred vision, spots or lights, swelling of the face or hands, nausea or vomiting, sudden weight gain and breathing problems. Often, preeclampsia has no obvious symptoms. This is another reason why it is extremely important to receive regular prenatal care, monitor your blood pressure, and have urine and blood tests. They will help identify liver or kidney dysfunction. The most dangerous complication of preeclampsia is eclampsia
, a condition in which a woman’s blood circulation to the brain is impaired. This leads to a sudden seizure with severe convulsions and coma, which can result in the death of the mother or miscarriage.
The mother's pressure prevents the correct formation of organs, as a result of which the child may develop congenital defects of the heart, blood vessels, and circulatory system.
Arterial hypertension is not always an independent disease. Sometimes high blood pressure becomes a marker of another dangerous condition. One of these pathological conditions is gestosis
, which can provoke dysfunction of a woman’s vital organs.
The main symptoms of gestosis are high blood pressure, persistent swelling and increased protein content in the urine. With this complication during pregnancy, kidney function is disrupted, and eclampsia also develops, as mentioned above. By the way, currently there are not only personal tonometers, but also personal urine analyzers that reliably determine the protein content in the urine and can be connected to a smartphone. Another danger associated with high blood pressure is fetoplacental insufficiency
, in which the oxygen supply to the fetus is disrupted.
This is fraught with stopping its development and can lead to the death of the fetus. Premature placental abruption
is a complication also caused by high blood pressure. And if in the later stages, closer to childbirth, such a pathological condition can still be resolved favorably, then at the beginning or middle of pregnancy, premature birth ends in the death of the baby.
How to treat?
There are the following ways to lower blood pressure:
- taking pills (read the instructions carefully or consult a leading gynecologist - Papazol, Egilok, Dopegit and others)
- avoiding stress (for example, you can do yoga for pregnant women)
- traditional medicine (decoctions based on rose hips, dill seeds, taking pumpkin with honey)
- preparation and consumption of vitamin cocktails (beetroot, pomegranate, carrot, pumpkin and cranberry juice)
- exclusion from food of spicy, salty and sweet foods, as well as coffee and chocolate
- place some support under your feet when you are lying down and resting
Thus, eliminating high blood pressure will not be difficult. You just need to undergo an examination and consult with your doctor.
What to do if your blood pressure drops
You can tell if your blood pressure has dropped by monitoring your symptoms or using a blood pressure monitor. It is necessary to take action if a woman’s blood pressure is below 10 points and she is close to fainting.
If unpleasant symptoms appear (pulsation in the temples, palpitations, spots before the eyes), the pregnant woman should lie down (sit down) so as not to fall if she loses consciousness. In case of fainting, a woman should lie down in the fresh air and rub her earlobe.
How to quickly raise blood pressure at home
In the first trimester, you should avoid hot baths and focus on sleep, exercise and contrast showers. Together with proper nutrition, these measures will help get rid of the accompanying low blood pressure: weakness, dizziness, nausea, fainting.
In the second and third trimesters, blood pressure increases with simple treatments:
- walk;
- massages;
- foot baths;
- gymnastics.
With the consent of the doctor, take tonic preparations of herbal origin: lemongrass tincture, royal jelly, zamanichi tincture.
Constant fatigue and loss of strength.;
These early signs of pregnancy occur primarily as a result of the body's natural reduction in immune defenses so that the embryo can fully grow and develop. Try to reduce your stress at home and at work and distribute tasks in such a way that you do not get tired. You should not drink a lot of coffee and supplements with a high caffeine content: it depletes the body's internal resources, giving a temporary boost in strength for a short time.
Toxicosis.
Toxicosis of pregnant women usually appears at 4 or 5 weeks after conception, but nausea and vomiting can begin to bother the expectant mother as early as the first month. Nausea is usually accompanied by weakness, lack of appetite, and headache. These symptoms during pregnancy cause a lot of trouble for the expectant mother, especially if vomiting is repeated and interferes with daily activities. Antiemetics that are not contraindicated for pregnant women are available today at any pharmacy, but you should consult a doctor before using them.
