Pregnancy: High Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is a measure of how hard the blood pushes against the walls of your arteries as it moves through your body. It is normal for blood pressure to go up and down throughout the day. But if it stays up, you have high blood pressure. Another name for high blood pressure is hypertension.

You may have had high blood pressure before you were pregnant, or your blood pressure may have started to go up during your pregnancy. Mild high blood pressure while you are pregnant is usually not dangerous, but you need to watch it closely. If you are pregnant and have high blood pressure, you are more likely to have preeclampsia or placental abruption.

  • Preeclampsia is a problem with blood pressure and other organs. It can reduce oxygen to your baby, which can cause a low birth weight. It also can damage your liver or kidneys. Preeclampsia can become eclampsia, which causes seizures.
  • Placental abruption occurs when the placenta separates from the uterus before childbirth. This means the growing baby does not get as much oxygen and nutrients. It can be life-threatening for you and your baby.

If you have high blood pressure, you will need to check your blood pressure often, both during and after pregnancy. If your blood pressure goes up suddenly or is very high, your doctor may prescribe medicines. You may also have frequent fetal ultrasounds and other tests to be sure your baby is doing well.

If, at any time during your pregnancy, high blood pressure affects your health or your baby's health, your doctor may deliver your baby early.

After pregnancy, your blood pressure will likely improve. But sometimes blood pressure problems continue after childbirth. If you had high blood pressure during pregnancy, you have more risk of having high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and diabetes later in life. Work with your doctor to make healthy lifestyle choices.

What should you do at home?

Protect your health

  • Take and record your blood pressure at home if your doctor tells you to. Ask your doctor to make sure that the monitor is working and that you're using it right.
    • Do not eat before taking your blood pressure.
    • Avoid taking your blood pressure if you have just exercised or are nervous or upset. Rest at least 15 minutes before taking your blood pressure.
  • Watch for symptoms of preeclampsia. Call your doctor if you have symptoms such as a severe headache, vision changes, belly pain, or sudden swelling in your hands and face.
  • Be safe with medicines.
    • Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with any medicine.
    • Do not use medicines known to raise blood pressure, such as some nasal decongestant sprays.

Lead a healthy lifestyle

  • If you smoke, quit or cut back as much as you can. Smoking and vaping can be harmful to your baby. Talk to your doctor if you need help quitting.
  • Eat a variety of healthy foods. Include plenty of foods high in calcium, such as dairy products, almonds, and dark leafy greens.
  • Talk to your doctor about how much weight gain is healthy for you. Gaining too much weight while you're pregnant may be harmful.
  • If your doctor says it's okay, get regular exercise during pregnancy. Things like walking or swimming several times a week can be healthy for you and your baby.
  • Be sure to go to all doctor appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems.
  • Try to reduce stress and find time to relax. Smartphone apps for meditation or deep breathing can help.

When should you call for help?

Share this information with your partner or a friend. They can help you watch for warning signs.

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You passed out (lost consciousness).
  • You have a seizure.
  • You have trouble breathing.
  • You have chest pain.

Call your doctor now or seek medical care right away if:

  • You have symptoms of preeclampsia, such as:
    • Sudden swelling of your face, hands, or feet.
    • New vision problems (such as dimness or blurring, or seeing spots).
    • A severe headache.
  • Your blood pressure is very high, such as 160/110 or higher.
  • Your blood pressure is higher than your doctor told you it should be, or it rises quickly.
  • You have any vaginal bleeding.
  • You have new nausea or vomiting.
  • You think that you are in labor.
  • You have pain in your belly or pelvis.
  • You gain weight rapidly.