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High blood pressure during pregnancy can cause serious health issues. Left untreated, it can progress into a dangerous condition called preeclampsia. That’s why going to your prenatal checkups and having your blood pressure monitored are so important when you’re pregnant.

If your blood pressure is too high during pregnancy, you and your doctor can take steps to help lower it.

Here’s what you need to know about managing blood pressure during pregnancy.

What Is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of your blood moving against the walls of your arteries. Too much force can damage the arteries and lead to heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and other health problems.

High blood pressure (hypertension) is especially dangerous during pregnancy. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause serious, even life-threatening problems for you and your baby.

What Is a Normal Blood Pressure During Pregnancy?

A healthy blood pressure when you’re pregnant is the same as when you’re not pregnant.

A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers separated by a slash. The first number is the systolic reading — the pressure on the arteries as the heart contracts. The second number is the diastolic reading — the pressure on the arteries as the heart relaxes.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, here are the guidelines for blood pressure when pregnant:

• Normal — Less than 120/80.
• Elevated — Systolic between 120 and 129 and diastolic less than 80.
• Stage 1 hypertension — Systolic between 130 and 139 or diastolic between 80 and 89.
• Stage 2 hypertension — Systolic at least 140 or diastolic at least 90.

Your doctor or nurse will check your blood pressure at every prenatal appointment. You may want to invest in an at-home monitor to check daily blood pressure.

Types of High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy

Doctors categorize pregnancy high blood pressure into the following groups.

Chronic hypertension

Chronic hypertension means you had high blood pressure before you got pregnant or developed it before 20 weeks of pregnancy. If you were taking blood pressure medication before you got pregnant, you have chronic hypertension.

Your doctor will monitor you carefully during pregnancy if you have chronic hypertension. Chronic high blood pressure sometimes decreases during the first half of pregnancy. If it gets high again, you may need to start blood pressure medication and possibly deliver early.

Gestational hypertension

If your blood pressure was normal before pregnancy but rises to 140/90 or higher after 20 weeks of pregnancy, you have gestational hypertension. Sometimes, it doesn’t get any higher. However, some women develop severe high blood pressure (160/110 or higher) and are at risk for serious complications.

Your doctor will monitor you weekly for signs of preeclampsia if you develop gestational hypertension.

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a serious form of hypertension that can cause damage to your liver and kidneys. It happens in about 2% to 8% of all pregnancies.

Preeclampsia happens when your blood pressure suddenly increases later in pregnancy, usually in the last trimester. Signs of preeclampsia include very high blood pressure, sudden swelling of the hands and feet, and protein in your urine.

If preeclampsia is severe enough, you may need to deliver your baby early. Usually, your blood pressure will go back down after the baby is born.

Left untreated, preeclampsia can progress to eclampsia, which is a medical emergency. Eclampsia can affect brain function, causing seizures and eventually death.

Sometimes, preeclampsia doesn’t start till after you give birth. Postpartum preeclampsia is rare but is one reason doctors monitor you carefully in the hours after delivery.

Complications of High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy

If you have untreated hypertension when you’re pregnant, you’re at greater risk for:

• C-section.
• Heart disease, diabetes, or high cholesterol later in life.
• Low-birthweight baby.
• Placental abruption (in which the placenta separates from the uterine wall).
• Premature birth.
• Stillborn baby.
• Stroke.

How to Manage Blood Pressure During Pregnancy

Keeping an eye on your blood pressure is always important, but it’s especially vital when you’re pregnant.

How to manage high blood pressure during pregnancy

In some cases, managing high blood pressure during pregnancy is a matter of life and death. Here’s how to keep on top of your blood pressure when you’re expecting:

• Go to all your prenatal appointments — The only way to tell if your blood pressure is typical is to get it checked. Going to all your prenatal appointments is vital. You should also call your doctor if you notice sudden swelling or weight gain, changes in vision, or a headache that won’t go away.

• Don’t smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs — Doing so may hurt your overall health and your baby’s health, as well as raise your blood pressure.

• Stay active — Moderate physical activity can help lower your blood pressure. Walking, gentle yoga, and swimming are low-impact activities you can do through your third trimester if your pregnancy hasn’t become complicated. (Of course, talk to your doctor before starting any exercise plan.)

• Eat a healthy diet — Though you may have intense cravings when pregnant, do your best to stick to a well-balanced meal plan. Make sure you eat plenty of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean meats. Avoid foods high in salt, sugar, caffeine, and fat — all of which can raise your blood pressure. This includes foods like coffee and espresso-based drinks, fried foods, fast food burgers and pizza, and highly processed foods, such as ramen and snack cakes with added fats and sugars.

• Take medication — Your doctor may recommend taking a low-dose aspirin if you’re at a high risk of preeclampsia. They may prescribe blood pressure medications that are safe to take when you’re pregnant.

How to manage low blood pressure during pregnancy

Low blood pressure during pregnancy is common, especially during the first and second trimester. But it’s usually not a problem. It’s more common in people who are underweight or have low muscle mass.

When you’re pregnant, your blood vessels expand, and your heart works harder to ensure a good blood supply, lowering your blood pressure. Some hormonal changes also affect your circulatory system, causing low blood pressure.

You may feel extra tired or lightheaded if your blood pressure is low. Stand up slowly, eat at regular intervals, and drink plenty of water. If your symptoms persist, talk to your doctor about them.

Low blood pressure usually returns to normal after you give birth.