If you have a chronic disease, learning about risks pregnancy might entail can help you make the best decision about pregnancy options. The goal of pre-pregnancy counseling is to reduce the chance that either you or your baby will develop health problems during pregnancy. High Blood Pressure and Pregnancy Chronic Hypertension refers to high blood pressure that existed prior to pregnancy. Some women find out that they have high blood pressure at their first prenatal visit. Fortunately, many women that have uncomplicated mild hypertension, can have uneventful pregnancies.
Hypertensive women shoud be aware that they are at incresed risk for pre-eclampsia .
If you have hypertension and are planning to become pregnant, discuss your pregnancy plans with your health care provider. Before becoming pregnant, you should make sure any medication you are taking is safe for pregnancy. If you are overweight, weight loss before pregnancy may help control your blood pressure. Monitoring your blood pressure at home may be recommended as early detection of any blood pressure changes can help keep you and your baby healthy. If you have high blood pressure that is secondary to other health conditions such as diabetes, heart problems, or kidney disease your pregnancy may carry greater risks.