Causes of hypertension in pregnancy

Some people enter pregnancy with chronic hypertension. Others develop gestational hypertension after the pregnancy has progressed, without the protein changes or organ effects associated with pre-eclampsia. Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy complication involving high blood pressure and signs that organs such as the kidneys or liver are under strain. Risk can be higher with a previous pregnancy affected by hypertension, kidney disease, diabetes, obesity, or a family history, but it can occur without an obvious risk factor. Often there are no early symptoms, which is why antenatal appointments include blood-pressure and urine checks.

Tell your maternity team about any raised reading and keep scheduled antenatal checks. If home monitoring has been recommended, use the agreed technique and record the results with the date and symptoms. Take only medicines approved for pregnancy; some usual blood-pressure treatments are not suitable while pregnant. Your team may arrange blood tests, urine testing, fetal growth checks, or more frequent reviews. Rest when advised, but do not rely on bed rest or supplements as a substitute for assessment.

Contact your maternity service urgently for a severe or persistent headache, vision changes, pain beneath the ribs, sudden swelling of the face or hands, vomiting that feels unusual, reduced fetal movement, or feeling seriously unwell. Seek emergency help for seizures, severe breathlessness, chest pain, collapse, or confusion. These symptoms need immediate assessment for pregnancy complications.

Is this chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, or possible pre-eclampsia? How should I check my blood pressure at home? Which medicines are safe for me and the baby? What symptoms or readings should prompt an urgent call, and how will the baby's wellbeing be monitored?