Pregnancy is a critical phase in a woman’s life that requires close monitoring and care. One of the most important conditions that can affect both mother and baby during this time is hypertension in pregnancy, also known as high blood pressure. If not managed properly, it can lead to serious complications. However, with timely diagnosis and specialist care, most women can have a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery.
As a leading Consultant Gynecologist and High-Risk Pregnancy Specialist in Kharadi, Dr. Vrushali Nandre offers expert guidance in managing hypertensive disorders in pregnancy with personalized care plans and fetal monitoring.
What Is Hypertension in Pregnancy?
Hypertension in pregnancy refers to blood pressure readings above 140/90 mmHg on two separate occasions during pregnancy. It may be present before pregnancy (chronic hypertension) or develop during pregnancy (gestational hypertension or preeclampsia).
There are different types of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy:
- Chronic Hypertension: High blood pressure diagnosed before pregnancy or before 20 weeks of gestation.
- Gestational Hypertension: High blood pressure that develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy without protein in the urine.
- Preeclampsia: A serious condition where high blood pressure is accompanied by signs of damage to organs like the kidneys or liver, often with proteinuria.
- Eclampsia: Severe form of preeclampsia with seizures, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
What Causes Hypertension During Pregnancy?
While the exact cause is not always known, several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing hypertension during pregnancy:
- First-time pregnancy
- Maternal age above 35 years
- Obesity or being overweight
- Family or personal history of hypertension or preeclampsia
- Diabetes or kidney disease
- Multiple pregnancy (twins or more)
Risks Associated with Hypertension in Pregnancy
Uncontrolled hypertension can pose serious health risks for both mother and baby. These include:
For the Mother:
- Increased risk of stroke or heart complications
- Placental abruption (early separation of placenta from the uterus)
- Preterm labor
- Eclampsia or HELLP syndrome (a severe liver and blood clotting disorder)
For the Baby:
- Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)
- Low birth weight
- Preterm birth
- Stillbirth in severe cases
Early detection and careful monitoring are crucial to prevent these complications.
Symptoms to Watch Out For
Pregnant women should be aware of warning signs that may indicate worsening hypertension or the onset of preeclampsia:
- Persistent headache
- Swelling in hands, face, or legs
- Blurred vision or seeing spots
- Pain in the upper abdomen
- Sudden weight gain
- Decreased urine output
If any of these symptoms occur, immediate medical attention is necessary.
Safe Management of Hypertension in Pregnancy
Managing hypertension during pregnancy involves a multidisciplinary and individualized approach. Dr. Vrushali Nandre emphasizes that early intervention and consistent monitoring lead to better maternal and fetal outcomes.
Key Management Strategies Include:
Regular Prenatal Check-ups
Frequent monitoring of blood pressure, weight gain, and urine protein levels helps detect changes early.
- Lifestyle Modifications
- Following a low-sodium, balanced diet
- Gentle physical activity, as advised by your gynecologist
- Avoiding stress and getting adequate rest
Medications: Safe antihypertensive medications may be prescribed to maintain blood pressure within target levels. These are carefully chosen to avoid any harm to the baby.
Fetal Monitoring: Regular ultrasounds, Doppler scans, and non-stress tests (NSTs) help track the baby’s growth and well-being.
Timely Delivery Planning: In severe cases, early delivery may be recommended to prevent complications. This could involve induction of labor or a planned cesarean section.
Why Choose Dr. Vrushali Nandre for High-Risk Pregnancy Care in Kharadi?
Dr. Vrushali Nandre brings years of experience and specialized training in fetal medicine and high-risk obstetrics. Her clinic in Kharadi, Pune is equipped to handle complex pregnancy conditions like hypertensive disorders with advanced fetal monitoring and evidence-based care.
She provides:
- Thorough risk assessments
- Patient education and counseling
- Continuous fetal and maternal health tracking
- A compassionate and personalized approach to ensure safe pregnancy outcomes
Hypertension in pregnancy is a manageable condition when diagnosed early and monitored closely. With the right care, most women with high blood pressure during pregnancy can go on to have healthy babies. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy and have concerns about your blood pressure, consult Dr. Vrushali Nandre in Kharadi, an expert in high-risk pregnancy care.
Read More:High-Risk Pregnancy in Kharadi
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