A slight rise in the systolic level is not as bad as
a rise in diastolic pressure; however if the systolic
level shoots to above 160 level then you have reason
to worry. High BP harms the mother's organs and causes
low birth weight or preterm delivery. In its most severe
form, it can trigger preeclampsia which is life threatening
for both mother and baby.
• You have gestational high BP if your reading
is at 140/90 or higher but there are no traces of protein
in your urine. It can progress to preeclampsia - which
would mean there is a rise in your BP level and now
you have protein in your urine and other symptoms that
merit your doctor's immediate attention and close supervision.
• If you develop mild version of this problem
at week 37 or later, chances of labor being induced
or a possible c-section will be on the cards.
• If you have not hit week 37, you will be hospitalized
and if everything is going ok with both mother and baby,
you will be discharged and but put on bed rest and closely
monitored with nonstress tests, ultrasounds and daily
kick counts.
• If your case is severe, then you may require
to be hospitalized until delivery.
• If you are at week 34 and beyond you will be
induced or undergo a c-section.
• If your pregnancy is not mature enough you will
be given corticosteroids which will help speed up the
development of baby's lungs and stall other problems.
If baby is responding well to the drug and you are in
no danger, with close monitoring, your delivery will
be postponed to a later date until baby is more mature.
There isn't much you can do to prevent gestational hypertension
during pregnancy apart from controlling your weight
and including moderate exercises in your daily routine.
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