Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension (PIH)

Pregnancy-induced hypertension is a form of high blood pressure in pregnancy. It occurs in about 7 – 10 percent of all pregnancies.

Pregnancy-induced hypertension is also called toxemia or preeclampsia. It occurs most often in young women with a first pregnancy. It is more common in twin pregnancies and in women who had PIH in a previous pregnancy.

Usually, there are three primary characteristics of this condition including the following:

• High blood pressure (blood pressure reading higher than 140/90mm Hg or a significant increase in one or both pressures
• Protein in urine
• Edema (swelling)

Eclampsia is a severe form of pregnancy-induced hypertension. Women with eclampsia have seizures resulting from the condition. Eclampsia occurs in about one in 1,600 pregnancies and develops near the end of pregnancy, in most cases.

Causes of Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension

The cause of pregnancy-induced hypertension is unknown. Some conditions may increase the risk of developing PIH including the following:

• Pre-existing hypertension (high blood pressure)

• Kidney disease

• Diabetes

• PIH with a previous pregnancy

• Mothers age younger than 20 or older than 40

• Multiple fetuses (twins, triplet)

Why Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension is a concern

Symptoms of osteoarthritis often develop gradually and include:

• Joint aching and soreness, especially with movement

• Pain after overuse or after long periods of inactivity

• Stiffness after periods of rest

• Body enlargement in the middle and end joints of the fingers (which may or may not be painful)

• Joint swelling

Symptoms of Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension

The following are symptoms of pregnancy-induced hypertension. However, each woman may experience unique symptoms. They are:

• Increased blood pressure

• Protein in urine

• Edema (swelling)

• Sudden weight gain

• Visual changes such as blurred or double vision

• Nausea, vomiting

• Right-sided upper abdominal pain or pain around the stomach

• Urinating in small amounts

• Changes in liver or kidney function tests

Treatment for Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension

• Bedrest (either at home or in the hospital may be recommended)

• Hospitalization

• Magnesium sulfate ( or other antihypertensive medications for PIH)

• Fetal monitoring (to check the health of the fetus when the mother has PIH)

Prevention of Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension

Early diagnosis is key. Education about the warning symptoms is also important because early recognition may help women receive treatment and prevent the worsening of the disease.

Home Remedies for Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension

• Cut down on salt intake

• Eat whole grains and food rich in potassium

• De-stress

• Exercise

• Avoid smoking

• Avoid intake of alcohol

• Watch your weight

• Follow your prescribed medication

• Eat food rich in magnesium (bananas, almonds, avocados, etc.)

• Avoid caffeine

• Avoid junk food

Reference:

www.creakyjoints.org

www.webmd.com

www.medicalnewstoday.com

Compiled By: Delight Donkor