Hypertension as Risk Factor during Pregnancy
By Dr. Monroe
Hypertension is the condition that can be considered much harmful for every gender and people of every age. If we talk about pregnancy, it is much delicate condition of any woman. Any disease or disorder during pregnancy can have disastrous effects on the health of woman and her child. If was hypothesized that medications for high blood pressure and hypertension can affect the fetus in second and third trimester. New researches are indicating that angiotensin - converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors re not harmful in first trimester of pregnancy. Moreover, it has been investigated that underlying hypertension can cause serious effects on fetus. It has been observed that hypertension of mother causes birth defects in child independently. It means there will be birth defects whether mothers are using medications or not.
There can be two situation of hypertension during pregnancy. In one condition, woman may be the patient of hypertension already. In second condition, she may become a patient of hypertension during her pregnancy. It is the condition that can bring complications in two to three percent cases of pregnancies. Hypertension during pregnancy can be categorized into four categories.
1. Chronic hypertension
2. Preeclampsia-eclampsia
3. Preeclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension
4. Gestational hypertension
If we talk about treatment of hypertension during pregnancy, we will find that there is no consensus on any kind of medication. Oral medications can be given to mild and moderate hypertension during pregnancy. Labetalol and Nifedipine are the oral medications that can be used during pregnancy to handle hypertension.
Calcium Antagonists are medications that can be used in late pregnancy to control hypertension. If any pregnant woman is suffering from mild to moderate hypertension during second and third trimester, she can easily take these Calcium Antagonists to lowering down the level of hypertension. ACE inhibitors cannot be used during second and third trimester of pregnancy. Use of ACE Inhibitors during late pregnancy can result into adverse effects including growth retardation, renal failure, respiratory distress syndrome, fetal hypertensive syndrome and prepartum death. In order to control hypertension during pregnancy, one must consult her doctor to take proper guidance.
