Arterial hypertension in pregnant women: diagnosis, management tactics and treatment approaches

Arterial hypertension (AH) occurs in 4–8% of pregnant women [6, 7, 8]. Hypertension includes a whole spectrum of different clinical and pathogenetic conditions: hypertension, symptomatic hypertension (renal, endocrine), preeclampsia. According to WHO, hypertensive syndrome is the second cause of maternal mortality after embolism [20, 31], accounting for 20–30% of cases in the structure of maternal mortality [1, 7]. Rates of perinatal mortality (30–100 0/00) and preterm birth (10–12%) in pregnant women with chronic hypertension significantly exceed the corresponding rates in pregnant women without hypertension [8]. Hypertension increases the risk of abruption of a normally located placenta and can cause cerebrovascular accidents, retinal detachment, eclampsia, and massive coagulopathic bleeding as a result of placental abruption [7, 20].

Until recently, hypertension was thought to occur relatively rarely in people under 30 years of age. However, in recent years, population surveys have revealed elevated blood pressure (BP) in 23.1% of people aged 17–29 years [2]. At the same time, the early appearance of hypertension is one of the factors responsible for the unfavorable prognosis of the disease in the future [9]. An important fact is that the frequency of identifying patients with hypertension based on visits is significantly lower than during mass surveys of the population. This is due to the fact that a significant proportion of people, mainly with early stages of the disease, feel well and do not visit a doctor. This, apparently, to a certain extent explains the fact that many women find out that they have high blood pressure only during pregnancy, which significantly complicates the diagnosis and treatment of such patients.

The physiological characteristics of the cardiovascular system, depending on the developing pregnancy, sometimes create a situation where it is difficult to distinguish physiological changes from pathological ones.

Hemodynamic changes during physiological pregnancy represent an adaptation to the coexistence of mother and fetus, they are reversible and are due to the following reasons [7, 10]:

strengthening metabolic processes aimed at ensuring the normal functioning of the fetus;
an increase in circulating blood volume (CBV);
the appearance of an additional placental circulatory system;
gradual increase in body weight of the pregnant woman;
an increase in the size of the uterus and limited mobility of the diaphragm;
increased intra-abdominal pressure;
changes in the position of the heart in the chest;
an increase in the blood levels of estrogens, progesterone, and prostaglandins E.

Physiological hypervolemia is one of the main mechanisms ensuring the maintenance of optimal microcirculation (oxygen transport) in the placenta and such vital organs of the mother as the heart, brain and kidneys. In addition, hypervolemia allows some pregnant women to lose up to 30–35% of their blood volume during labor without developing severe hypotension. Blood plasma volume in pregnant women increases from about the 10th week, then increases rapidly (until about the 34th week), after which the increase continues, but more slowly. The volume of erythrocytes increases at the same time, but to a lesser extent than the volume of plasma. Since the percentage increase in plasma volume exceeds the increase in red blood cell volume, so-called physiological anemia of pregnancy occurs, on the one hand, and hypervolemic dilution, leading to a decrease in blood viscosity, on the other.

By the time of birth, blood viscosity reaches normal levels.

Systemic blood pressure in healthy women changes slightly. During a normal pregnancy, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), as a rule, decrease in the second trimester by 5–15 mmHg. Art. The reasons for these changes are the formation of placental blood circulation during these periods of pregnancy and the vasodilating effect of a number of hormones, including progesterone and prostaglandins E, which cause a drop in total peripheral vascular resistance (TPVR).

During pregnancy, physiological tachycardia is observed. The heart rate (HR) reaches its maximum in the third trimester of pregnancy, when it is 15–20 beats/min higher than the heart rate of a non-pregnant woman. Thus, the normal heart rate in late pregnancy is 80–95 beats/min, and it is the same for both sleeping and waking women.

It is now known that cardiac output (CV) increases by approximately 1–1.5 L per minute mainly during the first 10 weeks of pregnancy and reaches an average of 6–7 L per minute by the end of the 20th week. Towards the end of pregnancy, MOS begins to decline.

During a physiologically proceeding pregnancy, a significant decrease in peripheral vascular resistance occurs, which is associated with the formation of the uterine circulatory system with low resistance, as well as with the vasodilating effect of estrogens and progesterone. A decrease in peripheral vascular resistance, as well as a decrease in blood viscosity, facilitates hemocirculation and reduces afterload on the heart.

Thus, the individual blood pressure level in pregnant women is determined by the interaction of the main factors:

a decrease in peripheral vascular resistance and blood viscosity aimed at reducing blood pressure;
an increase in BCC and MOS, aimed at increasing blood pressure.

If the balance between these groups of factors is disturbed, blood pressure in pregnant women ceases to be consistently normal.

Classification of hypertension

Hypertension in pregnant women is a heterogeneous concept that unites various clinical and pathogenetic forms of hypertensive conditions in pregnant women.

Currently, the classification is a subject of debate, since there are no uniform criteria and classification signs of hypertension during pregnancy [4, 5], there is no single terminological base (for example, the term is used to denote the same process in Russia and many European countries gestosis, in the USA and Great Britain - preeclampsia, in Japan - toxemia).

More than 100 classifications of hypertensive conditions during pregnancy have been proposed. In particular, the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision (ICD-10) combines all such pregnancy-related manifestations in the 2nd obstetric block. In Russia, all diseases are encrypted in accordance with this classification, although due to different terminology, encryption in accordance with ICD-10 causes disagreement among specialists.

The Working Group on High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy in 2000 developed a more concise classification of hypertensive conditions during pregnancy [20], which includes the following forms:

chronic hypertension;
preeclampsia - eclampsia;
preeclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension;
gestational hypertension: a) transient hypertension in pregnant women (there is no gestosis at the time of birth and the pressure returns to normal by the 12th week after birth (retrospective diagnosis)); b) chronic hypertension (pressure rise after childbirth persists (retrospective diagnosis)).

Chronic hypertension refers to hypertension that was present before pregnancy or diagnosed before the 20th week of gestation. Hypertension is defined as a condition with a SBP equal to or higher than 140 mmHg. Art. and DBP - 90 mm Hg. Art. Hypertension that was first diagnosed during pregnancy but did not disappear after childbirth is also classified as chronic.

Pregnancy-specific preeclampsia syndrome usually occurs after the 20th week of gestation. It is determined by an increased level of blood pressure (gestational rise in blood pressure), accompanied by proteinuria. Gestational hypertension is defined as a SBP above 140 mmHg. Art. and DBP above 90 mm Hg. Art. in women who had normal blood pressure before the 20th week. In this case, proteinuria is considered to be a protein concentration in the urine of 0.3 g per day or higher when analyzing a daily urine sample. The dipstick method can be used to diagnose proteinuria. If it is used, two urine samples must be obtained 4 hours or more apart. For analysis, an average portion of urine or urine obtained through a catheter is used. The sample is considered positive if the amount of albumin in both samples reaches 1 g/l.

Previously, an increase in SBP by 30 and DBP by 15 mmHg. Art. It was recommended to consider it a diagnostic criterion, even if the absolute values of blood pressure are below 140/90 mm Hg. Art. Some authors do not consider this a sufficient criterion, since available data show that the number of adverse outcomes does not increase in women in this group. Nevertheless, most experts call for special attention to be paid to women in this group who have an increase in SBP by 30 and DBP by 15 mmHg. Art., especially in the presence of concomitant proteinuria and hyperuricemia [20].

Diagnostics

According to WHO recommendations, blood pressure should be measured after a 5-minute rest, in a sitting position, on both arms, using a cuff of the appropriate size.

The most common errors when measuring blood pressure include: measuring blood pressure once without prior rest, using an incorrectly sized cuff (“cuff” hyper- or hypotension) and rounding numbers. The measurement should be taken on both hands. The SBP value is determined by the first of two successive auscultatory tones. In the presence of an auscultatory failure, an underestimation of blood pressure may occur. The DBP value is determined by the V phase of Korotkoff sounds. Blood pressure should be measured with an accuracy of 2 mmHg. Art., which is achieved by slowly releasing air from the tonometer cuff. For different values, the true blood pressure is considered higher [4]. It is preferable to take measurements in pregnant women in a sitting position. In the supine position, due to compression of the inferior vena cava, blood pressure values may be distorted.

A single increase in blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mm Hg. Art. is registered in approximately 40–50% of women. It is obvious that a random single measurement of blood pressure to make a diagnosis of hypertension in pregnant women is clearly not enough. In addition, the phenomenon of so-called “white coat hypertension”, i.e. high blood pressure when measured in a medical environment (office blood pressure) in comparison with outpatient (home) measurement, is widely known. In approximately 30% of pregnant women with hypertension registered at a doctor's appointment, daily blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) resulted in normal average daily blood pressure [4]. The question of the prognostic significance of the phenomenon of “white coat hypertension” has not yet been finally resolved. Currently, most researchers believe that it reflects increased reactivity of the vascular wall, which, in turn, potentially increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. The role of ABPM in pregnant women has also not been fully determined. In addition to diagnosing “white coat hypertension” and assessing the effectiveness of therapy for established hypertension, this method can be used to predict the development of preeclampsia. BP usually decreases at night in patients with mild gestosis and chronic hypertension, but in severe gestosis the circadian rhythm of BP may be distorted, with a BP peak at 2 am [16].

However, given the complexity of the technology, the high cost of equipment, as well as the existence of other alternative methods for predicting preeclampsia, it can be considered that ABPM is not included in the group of mandatory (screening) methods for examining pregnant women with high blood pressure. However, it can be successfully used for individual indications.

Antihypertensive therapy for hypertension in pregnant women

Long-term use of antihypertensive drugs in pregnant women with chronic hypertension is a matter of controversy. A decrease in blood pressure may impair uteroplacental blood flow and compromise fetal development [16, 25, 30]. Over the past more than 30 years, seven international studies have been conducted that compared groups of women with mild chronic hypertension in pregnancy using different management regimens (with antihypertensive therapy and without pharmacological correction of hypertension) [11]. Treatment did not reduce the incidence of preeclampsia, preterm birth, placental abruption, or perinatal mortality compared with groups without treatment [20].

Some centers in the United States now maintain close monitoring of women with chronic hypertension who have stopped taking antihypertensive medications [32, 36]. In women with hypertension that has developed over several years, with damage to target organs, and taking large doses of antihypertensive drugs, therapy should be continued [25]. Reports on the experience of monitoring patients with severe chronic hypertension without adequate antihypertensive therapy in the first trimester describe fetal loss in 50% of cases and significant maternal mortality.

Experts from the Working Group on High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy, 2000, consider the following criteria for prescribing treatment: SBP - from 150 to 160 mm Hg. Art., DBP - from 100 to 110 mm Hg. Art. or the presence of target organ damage, such as left ventricular hypertrophy or renal failure [20]. There are other provisions on the criteria for starting antihypertensive therapy: with blood pressure more than 170/110 mm Hg. Art. [15, 24] (at higher blood pressure, the risk of placental abruption increases, regardless of the genesis of hypertension) [18]. There is an opinion that treatment of hypertension at lower values of initial blood pressure “removes” such a significant marker of gestosis as elevated blood pressure. At the same time, normal AH numbers give a picture of false well-being [14, 22]. European recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of pregnant women with hypertension offer the following tactics for managing pregnant women with various types of hypertension [28].

Pre-pregnancy hypertension without target organ damage - non-drug therapy for blood pressure 140–149/90–95 mm Hg. Art.
Gestational hypertension that developed after 28 weeks of gestation - drug therapy at blood pressure 150/95 mm Hg. Art.
Pre-pregnancy hypertension with target organ damage, pre-pregnancy hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia, pre-eclampsia, gestational hypertension that developed before the 28th week of pregnancy - drug therapy for blood pressure 140/90 mm Hg. Art.

Basic principles of drug therapy for pregnant women: proven effectiveness and proven safety [13].

In Russia there is no classification of drugs according to safety criteria for the fetus. It is possible to use the criteria of the American classification of medicinal and food products Food and Drug Administration (FDA–2002).

FDA classification criteria for drug safety for the fetus (2002):

A - studies in pregnant women have not revealed a risk to the fetus;

B - a risk to the fetus was detected in animals, but not in humans, or there is no risk in the experiment, but there is not enough research in humans;

C—Side effects have been identified in animals, but there is insufficient research in humans. The expected therapeutic effect of the drug may justify its use, despite the potential risk to the fetus;

D - a risk to the fetus has been proven in humans, but the expected benefit from its use for the expectant mother may exceed the potential risk to the fetus;

X is a drug that is dangerous to the fetus, and the negative effects of this drug on the fetus exceed the potential benefits for the expectant mother.

Despite the fact that the range of drugs used in the treatment of hypertension in pregnant women is quite wide (methyldopa, beta blockers, alpha blockers, calcium antagonists, myotropic antispasmodics, diuretics, clonidine), the choice of drug therapy for a pregnant woman is very responsible and complex a matter that requires strict consideration of all the pros and cons of this treatment [32].

Methyldopa

This drug is classified as Class B by the FDA. It is preferred as a first-line treatment by many clinicians based on reports of stability of uteroplacental blood flow and fetal hemodynamics, as well as 7.5 years of follow-up with a limited number of children experiencing no delayed adverse developmental effects following methyldopa administration during pregnancy. their mothers [27].

Benefits of Methyldopa:

does not worsen uteroplacental blood flow and fetal hemodynamics;
does not cause delayed adverse effects on the development of children after administration during pregnancy to their mothers;
reduces perinatal mortality;
safe for mother and fetus.

Disadvantages of Methyldopa:

not recommended for use at 16–20 weeks (possible effect on dopamine content in the fetal nervous system);
intolerance: 22% experience depression, sedation, orthostatic hypotension.

There have been no adequate and strictly controlled studies on other groups of antihypertensive drugs during pregnancy. Even when the results of studies are combined into a meta-analysis, there is no clear evidence of the effectiveness and safety of antihypertensive drugs in pregnancy.

β-blockers

Most of the published literature on antihypertensive therapy in pregnancy comes from studies of the effects of adrenergic blockers, including β-blockers and the α-β blocker labetalol. There is an opinion that β-blockers prescribed in early pregnancy, especially atenolol, can cause fetal growth restriction [19]. However, none of these drugs produced serious side effects; although in order to state this with complete confidence, long-term follow-up is not enough [24, 29].

The advantage of β-blockers is the gradual onset of the hypotensive effect, characterized by a decrease in the frequency of proteinuria, no effect on blood volume, absence of postural hypotension, and a decrease in the frequency of respiratory distress syndrome in the newborn.

The disadvantages of β-blockers are a decrease in the weight of the newborn and placenta due to increased vascular resistance when prescribed in early pregnancy.

In accordance with the FDA classification, atenolol, metoprolol, timolol oxprenolol, propranolol, labetolol belong to class C, pindolol, acebutolol - to class B.

Dadelszen in 2000 conducted a “fresh” meta-analysis of clinical trials on β-blockers and came to very interesting conclusions. Intrauterine growth retardation is not due to the effect of β-blockers, but to a decrease in blood pressure as a result of antihypertensive therapy with any drug. All antihypertensive drugs equally reduced the risk of developing severe hypertension by 2 times compared with placebo. When comparing various antihypertensive drugs with each other, no advantages were found regarding the effect on end points (development of severe hypertension, maternal and perinatal mortality) [30].

α-blockers are used in the treatment of hypertension in pregnant women, but there have been no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans [21]. In limited, uncontrolled use of prazosin and a β-blocker in 44 pregnant women, no adverse effects were observed. The use of prazosin in the third trimester in 8 women with hypertension did not reveal clinical complications after 6–30 months, the children developed normally [3].

The advantages of this group of drugs are as follows:

effective reduction of blood pressure (used in combination with β-blockers);
do not affect the bcc;
absence of adverse effects (based on the results of clinical studies in a small number of women).

Flaws:

a sharp decrease in blood pressure;
possible orthostatic reactions;
lack of adequate and strictly controlled studies in humans.

In accordance with the FDA classification, prazosin and terazosin belong to class C, doxazosin to class B. In our country, according to the instructions of the Pharmaceutical Committee of the Russian Federation, α-blockers are not used for hypertension in pregnant women.

Calcium antagonists. Experience with the use of calcium antagonists is limited to their use mainly in the third trimester of pregnancy. However, a multicenter prospective cohort study on the use of these drugs in the first trimester of pregnancy did not reveal teratogenicity [12]. A recent multicenter randomized trial of slow-release nifedipine in the second trimester found neither positive nor negative effects of the drug when compared with a no-treatment control group [23, 29].

Benefits of calcium antagonists:

fetal weight in women taking nifedipine is higher than in women taking hydralazine;
early use reduces the incidence of severe gestosis and other complications in the mother and fetus (however, in a number of studies using nifedipine in the second trimester, neither positive nor negative effects of the drug were detected when compared with a control group that did not receive treatment);
absence (according to the results of clinical studies) of embryotoxicity in humans;
antiplatelet effect;
when used in the first trimester of pregnancy, there are no teratogenic effects (not detected in studies).

Disadvantages of calcium antagonists:

embryotoxicity of calcium antagonists in animals;
a rapid decrease in blood pressure can lead to a deterioration in uteroplacental blood flow (therefore, nifedipine is better taken orally than sublingually to relieve a hypertensive crisis in pregnant women);
side effects: swelling of the legs, nausea, heaviness in the epigastrium, allergic reactions.

According to the FDA classification, nifedipine, amlodipine, felodipine, nifedipine SR, isradipine, diltiazem belong to class C.

Diuretics (hypothiazide 25–100 mg/day). Opinions regarding the use of diuretics during pregnancy are controversial. Doctors' concerns are mostly understandable. It is known that gestosis is associated with a decrease in plasma volume and the prognosis for the fetus is worse in women with chronic hypertension who have not experienced an increase in blood volume. Dehydration may impair uteroplacental circulation.

During treatment, electrolyte disturbances and increased uric acid levels may develop (which means this indicator cannot be used to determine the severity of gestosis) [17]. In women taking diuretics, from the beginning of pregnancy there is no increase in blood volume to normal values. For this reason, due to theoretical concerns, diuretics are not usually prescribed first. A meta-analysis of nine randomized trials involving more than 7000 subjects treated with diuretics found a trend towards a reduction in the development of edema and/or hypertension with a confirmed lack of increase in adverse fetal outcomes. Moreover, if their use is justified, they prove to be safe and effective agents that can significantly potentiate the effect of other antihypertensive drugs, and are not contraindicated during pregnancy, except in cases of decreased uteroplacental blood flow (preeclampsia and intrauterine growth retardation). A number of experts believe that pregnancy is not a contraindication for taking diuretics in women with essential hypertension that preceded conception or manifested before mid-pregnancy. However, there is insufficient data regarding the use of diuretics to lower blood pressure in pregnant women with hypertension.

In accordance with the FDA classification, hypothiazide belongs to class B. However, the instructions of the Pharmaceutical Committee of the Russian Federation state that hypothiazide is contraindicated in the first trimester of pregnancy; in the second and third trimesters it is prescribed according to strict indications.

Clonidine , a central α2-adrenergic agonist, has restrictions for use during pregnancy, and when taken in the postpartum period, breastfeeding should be avoided. The drug has no advantages over β-blockers. Sleep disorders have been identified in children whose mothers received clonidine during pregnancy. When used in early pregnancy, embryotoxicity was detected [4].

Myotropic antispasmodics are currently not used for routine therapy. They are prescribed only in emergency situations - during a hypertensive crisis [18]. Hydralazine (apressin) with long-term use can cause: headache, tachycardia, fluid retention, lupus-like syndrome. Diazoxide (hyperstat) with long-term treatment can cause sodium and water retention in the mother, hypoxia, hyperglycemia, hyperbilirubinemia, thrombocytopenia in the fetus. Sodium nitroprusside can cause cyanide intoxication with long-term use [16].

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are contraindicated during pregnancy due to the high risk of intrauterine growth retardation, the development of bone dysplasia with impaired ossification of the cranial vault, shortening of the limbs, oligohydramnios (oligohydramnios), neonatal renal failure (renal dysgenesis, acute renal failure in the fetus or newborn ), fetal death [20].

Although no data have been accumulated regarding the use of angiotensin II receptor antagonists, their adverse effects are likely to be similar to those of ACE inhibitors, so these drugs should also be avoided [16].

Treatment of acute severe hypertension in pregnant women

Some experts raise DBP to 105 mm Hg. Art. or higher is considered an indication for starting antihypertensive therapy [20], others consider it possible to abstain from antihypertensive therapy up to 110 mm Hg. Art. [15, 18]. There is evidence that if the initial diastolic blood pressure did not exceed 75 mm Hg. Art., treatment should begin when it rises to 100 mm Hg. Art. [16].

The range of drugs used in the treatment of acute severe hypertension in pregnancy includes hydralazine (start with 5 mg intravenously or 10 mg intramuscularly). If there is insufficient effectiveness, repeat after 20 minutes (from 5 to 10 mg depending on the reaction; when the desired blood pressure levels are achieved, repeat as necessary (usually after 3 hours); if there is no effect from the total dose of 20 mg intravenously or 30 mg intramuscularly, use another drug ); labetalol (start with a dose of 20 mg intravenously; if the effect is insufficient, prescribe 40 mg 10 minutes later and 80 mg every 10 minutes 2 more times, maximum dose - 220 mg; if the desired result is not achieved, prescribe another drug; do not use in women with asthma and heart failure); nifedipine (start with 10 mg per os and repeat after 30 minutes if necessary); sodium nitroprusside (rarely used when there is no effect from the above drugs and/or there are signs of hypertensive encephalopathy; start with 0.25 mg/kg/min to a maximum of 5 mg/kg/min; the effect of cyanide poisoning of the fetus may occur with therapy lasting more than 4 hours).

Sudden and severe hypotension may occur when any of these drugs are given, especially the short-acting nifedipine. The ultimate goal of lowering blood pressure in emergency situations should be its gradual normalization.

In the treatment of acute hypertension, the intravenous route of administration is safer than the oral or intramuscular route, since it is easier to prevent accidental hypotension by stopping the intravenous infusion than by stopping the intestinal or intramuscular absorption of drugs [20].

Of the above drugs for relieving hypertensive crisis in pregnant women, only nifedipine is currently registered with the Pharmaceutical Committee of the Russian Federation. However, the instructions for this drug indicate pregnancy as a contraindication to its use.

Thus, the problem of arterial hypertension in pregnant women is still far from being resolved and requires the combined efforts of obstetricians, clinical pharmacologists and cardiologists.

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A. L. Vertkin, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor O. N. Tkacheva , Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor L. E. Murashko, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor I. V. Tumbaev I. E. Mishina MGMSU, TsAGiP, IvSMA, Moscow , Ivanovo

What is hypertension during pregnancy?

Hypertension in pregnant women refers to a situation of excessive blood pressure relative to the generally accepted norm. Many women find out about hypertension only when they go to an antenatal clinic about pregnancy.

The difficulty is that in such situations it is difficult to determine what causes these deviations and choose the right treatment strategy. In some cases, high blood pressure may be caused by pre-contraceptive kidney disease or other conditions. In this case, the fact of hypertension may not be noticed for a long time, since the patient may feel well. In other cases, the increase is associated with difficulties during childbirth.

Pregnancy and high blood pressure are considered incompatible concepts. Increased fertility during childbirth has negative consequences for both the child and the mother. Every pregnant woman needs to know how dangerous this condition is.

These threats include:

narrowing of the walls of blood vessels, as a result of which the embryo experiences oxygen starvation;
Lack of oxygen and nutrients due to impaired blood supply increases the risk of pathologies and neurological disorders;
fetal development lags behind normal;
the placenta may tear away prematurely.

The latter circumstance threatens the woman with massive blood loss and a real threat to the life of the child. With constant blood pressure of 140 or more, the risk of placental abruption is quite high, which leads to the risk of premature birth and even the need to terminate the pregnancy. Because of this risk, it is impossible to walk with high blood pressure and not take treatment and preventive measures.

Blood pressure is normal

High blood pressure in pregnant women does not always have obvious symptoms. Because of this feature, experts recommend regularly measuring indicators while carrying a baby.

A value of 120/80 is considered normal for a normal healthy person. In this case, the top number indicates the systolic value or, as it is more commonly called the top value, the second shows the diastolic or bottom value.

For women before pregnancy, it is not uncommon for the upper reading to be between 90 and 100 and the lower reading to be between 60 and 70.

After conception, it is more correct to focus not on a specific value, but on growth. For a pregnant woman, a deviation of no more than 10% is considered normal. At the same time, if the upper threshold increased by 30 and the lower threshold by 15, this indicates the presence of high blood pressure. Exceeding the value above 140/90 should be a reason to urgently consult a doctor.

To obtain correct readings, the following guidelines are recommended:
1 hour before visiting the doctor, you should avoid physical activity;
Sit quietly and quietly for 10 minutes before taking the measurement;

During the measurement, relax as much as possible and lean on the back of the chair.

High blood pressure in pregnant women

You should not try to lower your blood pressure with new medications. A surge in pressure is always a negative factor for the health of the pregnant woman and the fetus. Therefore, it is necessary to seek medical help and it is better to immediately agree to the offer of hospitalization.

In the first trimester of pregnancy, the fact of hypertension in pregnant women is detected in a significant percentage of women. Normally, blood pressure values decrease until the end of the first trimester.

Early damage to the vascular wall is fraught with abnormalities of the placenta, which leads to an increased risk of miscarriage.

High blood pressure before the 6th month causes complications in the development of the child and can cause serious deviations from the norm.

Other dangerous consequences for the baby include:
the presence of placental insufficiency;
opening of bleeding;
the appearance of chronic hypoxia;

the likelihood of placental abruption.

If measures are not taken in a timely manner, a woman may lose her child. The risk group includes women who previously suffered from the problem of hypertension, had pathologies of the cardiac system and kidneys. Factors contributing to hypertension include excess weight and hormonal imbalances. The main therapy for blood pressure surges is aimed at eliminating the causes and correcting the situation.

In the second trimester, compared to the period before conception, the upper threshold decreases by 10-15, and the lower threshold by 5-15. During this period, the presence of pressure often does not affect the woman’s well-being, but negatively affects the baby.

This increase is often explained by an increase in blood volume in a woman’s body, which increases by 0.5 liters.

What to do if there is a pressure surge?

Legs should not be crossed, as this impedes venous outflow and distorts the true values. To obtain reliable measurements, the doctor takes several measurements at intervals of 10-15 minutes.

Slight changes in blood pressure are normal during pregnancy. Variations of 30 points or more are considered dangerous.

A reading of 140/90 should be of serious concern to both the pregnant woman and those around her.

A one-time jump does not mean the development of hypertension, but if the figure jumps regularly, this is one of the alarming symptoms. Sudden jumps are also dangerous, so you should know the basic rules of behavior at home in this situation.

Basic actions to reduce it:
position the pregnant woman horizontally so that her head is higher than her body level;
open windows to ensure maximum flow of fresh air;

if fluctuations have been observed previously, a previously used drug should be prescribed.

Classification of arterial hypertension during pregnancy

There are several types of hypertension during pregnancy. The chronic form is when a woman has high blood pressure before conception and does not go away during pregnancy. Secondary hypertension, which often occurs as a result of diseases of the urinary system and kidneys.

High blood pressure is fraught with gestosis. This condition is dangerous due to dysfunction of vital organs. The most vulnerable organs are the circulatory system and the heart. Severe swelling of the arms and legs indicates the presence of problems.

European

The main feature of this classification is the presence of “high normal” pressure and a gradation of several degrees of arterial hypertension. According to current criteria, a value of 120/80 is considered normal.

The current criteria for BP are as follows:

optimal – Symptoms of high blood pressure

Hypertension and pregnancy require special attention from the woman and the attending physician. A woman can feel about the presence of a deviation from the norm by characteristic symptoms in the form of problems with headaches.

The most common symptoms of high blood pressure:
feeling of general deterioration of health;
the appearance of tinnitus;
nausea, vomiting;
disturbance of visual perception associated with the flickering of flies in front of the eyes;

Red dots.

Preventing high blood pressure

In such a situation, it is important to understand that all changes are temporary and their reasons lie in the restructuring of the body and preparation for the upcoming birth. During this period, experts advise devoting your free time to your favorite activities, listening to relaxing music and learning to “let go” of the situation. Pregnant women need support and understanding from relatives, and the expectant mother should avoid stressful situations if possible.

Prevention of high blood pressure involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet. The diet should be varied, with the obligatory presence of fish, vegetables and fruits, cereals and dairy products. On the recommendation of a doctor, develop a course of taking vitamins and, if necessary, blood pressure medications. During pregnancy, you should not self-prescribe or discontinue medications prescribed by your doctor.

To avoid pressure, follow these rules:
avoid noisy places, rooms with a lot of people;
Avoid interaction with computers;
Watching TV should not exceed 2 hours a day;
Ventilate the room regularly;

avoid stress.