Up to 10% of pregnancies can be affected by high blood pressure. This can include chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, or Pre-eclampsia.

High blood pressure in pregnancy may affect both the health of mothers and babies. High blood pressure in pregnancy is when the top number is 140 or more or the bottom number is 90 or more. Women who have gestational hypertension or pre-eclampsia may have a higher risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke in their lifetime. 

Four types of blood pressure may occur during pregnancy:

• Chronic or Essential Hypertension: is diagnosed in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy and risks developing pre-eclampsia.  
• Gestational hypertension: is diagnosed after 20 weeks of pregnancy; blood pressure usually returns to normal by about 3 months after baby is born.   
• Pre-eclampsia: is diagnosed after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It can affect one or more major organs, including the kidneys, liver, heart, brain or the baby (fetus). May persist for months after baby is born.
• Superimposed Pre-eclampsia: chronic hypertension and pre-eclampsia together.

What can I do?

• Book into your local hospital early. 
• Talk to your Midwife or GP about reducing your risk of high blood pressure.

For More Information:

• Stay healthy during your pregnancy: click here
• Book in your pregnancy: click here 
• Managing high blood pressure: click here
• Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) click here