Gestational hypertension means high blood pressure during pregnancy. In some people, gestational hypertension can lead to preeclampsia, a serious health condition that causes high blood pressure. Both are distinct conditions.
Gestational hypertension usually causes no harm to the mother or the infant. It means that the mother has a blood pressure reading of 140/90 or higher. It can cause low birth weight or preterm birth in severe cases and starts after week 20 during pregnancy. It usually goes away within 12 weeks of birth. Conversely, preeclampsia can be life-threatening to the mother and infant, may cause organ damage (frequently the kidneys) to the mother, and typically starts in pregnancy after week 20 but most commonly in the third trimester and rarely after birth.
Gestational hypertension can be tricky, but identifying the signs early helps keep both mom and baby safe. Pregnant women should be vigilant about swelling, headaches, and sudden weight gain as well as vision changes, shortness of breath, and upper abdominal pain. Monitoring and managing these symptoms are crucial for a smooth pregnancy experience. Regular check-ups with one’s healthcare provider and maintaining a healthy lifestyle play a significant role in managing hypertension. Maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, engaging in moderate exercise as recommended by the doctor, and avoiding stress are all important lifestyle changes.
Preeclampsia can manifest through symptoms such as severe headaches that do not go away, changes in vision such as seeing spots, upper abdominal or shoulder pain, nausea or vomiting in the second half of pregnancy, decreased urine output, and shortness of breath due to fluid in the lungs. Preeclampsia is particularly dangerous because it can lead to life-threatening complications for both the mother and the baby. In severe cases, it can progress to eclampsia, characterized by seizures, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention.
While both conditions involve elevated blood pressure, the key difference lies in their context and potential consequences. Preeclampsia is specific to pregnancy and requires close medical supervision to ensure the safety of both mother and child. Hypertension is a condition that necessitates ongoing management to prevent serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment, as well as for mitigating the risks associated with each condition.
Learn more at https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/gestational-hypertension-vs-preeclampsia#telling-them-apart
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