- According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, high blood pressure during pregnancy affects approximately six to eight percent of pregnant women each year in the United States. Of those cases, 70 percent occur with first-time pregnancies.
- A person's blood pressure is considered high when readings are greater than 140 mm HG systolic and or 90 mm HG diastolic. High blood pressure can be accompanied by symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness and blurred vision.
- Pregnant women suffering from hypertension are more likely to have complications throughout their pregnancy and are at increased risk for preterm delivery, low birth weight babies, and preeclampsia which is responsible for kidney, liver and brain damage in the mother.
- In addition to medication prescribed by a physician to regulate blood pressure, pregnant women should reduce sodium intake, avoid alcohol and tobacco, participate in an exercise regimen, and eat a well-balanced diet.
- Women who are pregnant should discuss the possible risks and side effects prescription blood pressure medication could have on their unborn fetus with a licensed health care professional.
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