Many changes during pregnancy affect your cardiovascular system, which includes your heart and blood vessels. Some fluctuations in blood pressure are expected, but hypertensive disorders are still one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal mortality worldwide.

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy include chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, HELLP, and eclampsia. High blood pressure during pregnancy can place significant stress on your heart and kidneys and can contribute to heart disease, kidney disease, and stroke. It also increases the risk of preterm birth, placental abruption, and cesarean birth. When blood pressure is too high, it can reduce blood flow to the placenta and limit the oxygen and nutrients available to your baby. This is why your care provider monitors your blood pressure so closely throughout pregnancy.

Most pregnancy-related conditions resolve after birth, but the risk from hypertensive disorders does not end when your baby arrives. Mothers can develop dangerous symptoms in the days and weeks after birth, even if their blood pressure was normal throughout pregnancy. Recognizing warning signs and seeking medical attention right away can be life-saving.

Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/hypertension/

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