Hypertension of pregnancy is called preeclampsia or toxemia. It is common in women during their first pregnancy and in young women. It is common in women with multiple fetuses, women who have a history of hypertension during pregnancy, chronic hypertension, and pre-existing diabetes.

Hypertension of pregnancy includes three features. They are protein in the urine, high blood pressure (readings above 140/90), and swelling (edema)

Eclampsia, a form of this hypertension, can be serious. Women who experience eclampsia usually have seizures as a result. About 1 in 1,600 pregnant women experience eclampsia and it develops in the last months of pregnancy.

The cause of hypertension during pregnancy is not clear. Certain conditions can increase the risk of developing it. They include: high blood pressure or preexisting hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease, a history of hypertension during pregnancy, a younger woman (usually under 20) or a woman over 40, and twins or triplets.

There could be increased resistance in the arteries and capillaries as a result of high blood pressure. Restriction of blood flow can occur in the different organ systems of the pregnant mother, including the kidneys, liver, uterus, brain, and placenta.

As a result of pregnancy hypertension, other problems can develop, such as early detachment of the placenta from the uterus. It can also lead to fetal problems, including poor fetal growth and stillbirth.

If left untreated, severe hypertension of pregnancy can cause seizures and death of the fetus and/or mother. It may also be necessary for the baby to be delivered before a gestation period of 37 weeks.

The most common symptoms of high blood pressure in a pregnant woman are: protein in the urine, increased blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, edema, rapid weight gain, vision changes such as double or blurred vision, upper abdominal pain in on the right side, changes in kidney or liver function tests, or urinating small amounts.

Increased blood pressure is often the basis of diagnoses. Additional symptoms may help establish hypertension of pregnancy as a diagnosis. Tests may include the following: blood pressure readings, evaluation for edema, urinalysis and eye exam for retinal changes, frequent weight measurements, blood coagulation tests, and kidney and liver function tests.

Your doctor will determine the details of treatment for hypertension of pregnancy based on the following: medical history and general health, extent of your hypertension, general pregnancy, specific tolerances to medications, therapies, and procedures, and predictions for the course of the disease.

The overall goal of treating this hypertension is to prevent the condition from getting worse. Treatment of hypertension of pregnancy may include: bed rest (either in the hospital or at home), hospitalization (if specialized personnel and equipment are required), magnesium sulfate, and fetal monitoring. Cesarean delivery may be recommended.

It is essential to identify women at risk of hypertension during pregnancy. Complications of the disease will be prevented or minimized. Education about warning symptoms is also critical, as early recognition can help women get treatment and prevent the disease from getting worse.