Understanding the link between late pregnancy hypertension and future hypertension helps women take informed steps to protect their health and reduce the risk of long-term complications
High blood pressure during pregnancy, also referred to as gestational hypertension or preeclampsia, is a condition that impacts about 10% of pregnancies globally. The risks to both mother and baby at the time of the condition are known to many, but many women want to know whether high blood pressure in late pregnancy leads to chronic hypertension in later life.
To better understand, we spoke to our expert, Dr Ruchi Srivastav, Senior Consultant, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Sharda Care Hospital – Greater Noida. She shared that the evidence is now clear—it does. Here is everything you need to know about high blood pressure in late pregnancy and future hypertension.
Link Between Pregnancy Hypertension and Future Risk
Studies have repeatedly proven that women who get hypertensive during pregnancy have a higher chance of developing chronic hypertension later in life. According to the American Heart Association, women with a previous history of preeclampsia have a nearly four times more significant risk of developing high blood pressure than women who do not have such a history.
Also Read: Getting Pregnant After Menopause Is Naturally Impossible, But Can IVF Help To Conceive?
Why does this occur? Pregnancy may represent a ‘stress test’ of the cardiovascular system that identifies pre-existing vulnerabilities. Gestational hypertension and preeclampsia might be pointers to pre-existing (maybe undiagnosed) risk factors for cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction, or genetic predispositions. These conditions may persist or worsen after pregnancy, increasing the risk for long-term hypertension.
Long-Term Health Implications
According to Dr Srivastava, the implications of pregnancy-induced hypertension extend beyond chronic high blood pressure. Women with a history of preeclampsia or gestational hypertension are at a higher risk for:
- Cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack and stroke
- Chronic kidney disease
- Type 2 diabetes
Furthermore, the risk of recurrence in subsequent pregnancies is higher, and thus, women with a history of pregnancy-related hypertension need careful monitoring during future pregnancies.
Also Read: Getting Pregnant After Menopause Is Naturally Impossible, But Can IVF Help To Conceive?
Prevention and Management
If you have had high blood pressure during pregnancy, there are proactive steps you can take to lower your risk of developing chronic hypertension:
1. Regular Monitoring
Schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your blood pressure and cardiovascular health.
2. Healthy Diet
Adopt a heart-friendly diet that would contain more and more fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean meats, with minimal to zero sodium/sugar/saturated fats.
3. Activity/Exercise
Include moderate physical exercise for at least half an hour per day either through walking, swimming or yoga to maintain a desirable body weight alongside better cardiovascular profiles.
4. Stress Management
Stress-coping exercises such as meditation, mind-focusing practice, or deep respiratory practices help effectively reduce blood pressure.
5. Medication and Follow-Up
If prescribed, take antihypertensive medications as directed and follow your doctor’s recommendations for ongoing care.
Bottomline
Understanding the link between late pregnancy hypertension and future hypertension helps women take informed steps to protect their health and reduce the risk of long-term complications. The experience of gestational hypertension may be temporary, but its implications can last a lifetime, and with the right strategies, women can effectively manage and minimise those risks.
