By EKalman June 16, 2025 - 7:43am

Some people have high blood pressure before becoming pregnant. Others have high blood pressure for the first time while pregnant. If you have high blood pressure, speak with your doctor. Managing your blood pressure can help you have a healthier pregnancy and infant.

How Can You Determine Whether You Have High Blood Pressure?
Your blood pressure measurement is expressed as two numbers:

- Systolic blood pressure
This is the top (first) number in your reading. It's the pressure created when your heart contracts (tightens). Your blood pressure is at its peak when your heart beats and pumps blood;
- Diastolic blood pressure
This is the lowest (second) number in your reading. It is the pressure that occurs as your heart relaxes. Your blood pressure lowers because your heart is at rest between beats.

Your hypertension specialist will monitor your blood pressure with each prenatal care visit. To accomplish this, your physician will put a cuff (band) around your upper arm. Your physician will inflate the cuff to measure the pressure in your arteries as the heart contracts and relaxes. If you receive a high reading, your provider can review it to confirm whether you have high blood pressure. Your blood pressure might fluctuate throughout the day.

What Kind of High Blood Pressure Might Affect Pregnancy?
There are two types of high blood pressure which can complicate your pregnancy:

- Chronic hypertension
This is high blood pressure that exists before pregnancy or develops before 20 weeks. It does not go away after you give birth. Pregnant adults with persistent hypertension may develop preeclampsia during pregnancy. If you are at high risk of developing preeclampsia, your doctor may prescribe low-dose aspirin to help avoid it.

If you have persistent hypertension, your clinician will monitor your blood pressure and urine at each prenatal care appointment. You may need to monitor your blood pressure at home. Your doctor may employ ultrasound and fetal heart rate tests to assess your baby's development and wellbeing. Your doctor also looks for indicators of preeclampsia.

If you were using chronic hypertension medication before pregnancy, your doctor will ensure that it is safe to continue during pregnancy. If not, your doctor will switch you to a safer medication. Certain blood pressure medications, such as ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers, might damage your baby while pregnant.

During the early part of pregnancy, blood pressure frequently drops. If you have moderate hypertension and were treated for it before pregnancy, your doctor may reduce the amount of medication you take. Alternatively, you may be able to discontinue taking medication while pregnant. Do not discontinue taking any medications without first consulting your doctor. Even if you haven't taken blood pressure medication before, you may need to start during pregnancy;

- Gestational hypertension
Only pregnant persons can get this type of elevated blood pressure. It begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy and normally goes away after birth. It normally produces a little rise in blood pressure, but some pregnant women develop severe hypertension and are at risk for more serious issues later in pregnancy, such as preeclampsia.

During pregnancy, your provider will check your blood pressure and urine at each prenatal care visit. Your doctor may employ ultrasound and fetal heart rate tests to assess your baby's development and wellbeing. Your physician may also want you to monitor your blood pressure at home and perform kick counts to determine when and how frequently your baby moves.

Here are two ways to count kicks:
- Every day, record how long it takes your baby to move 10 times. If it takes more than two hours, notify your provider;
- See how many motions you feel in one hour. Do this three times a week. If the number changes, notify your provider.

What Are Some Strategies For Dealing With High Blood Pressure When Pregnant?
Here is what you can do:
- Attend all of your prenatal care checks, even if you're feeling good;
- Take your blood pressure medication on a daily basis. Your provider can assist you in selecting one that is safe for both you and your baby;
- Measure your blood pressure at home. Ask your doctor what you should do if your blood pressure is high;
- Consume fresh and whole foods instead of processed ones. Canned soups and salty meals might cause high blood pressure;
- Stay active. Being active for 30 minutes every day can help you control your weight, reduce stress, and avoid complications such as preeclampsia;
- Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, using illicit drugs, or abusing prescription medicines.