High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure — also called hypertension — can happen during pregnancy or after giving birth, even in people who have never had it before. It is a condition where the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high, and it can affect both your health and your baby’s health. During pregnancy, if your blood pressure is higher than 160 mmHg systolic (the top number) and/or higher than 110 mmHg diastolic (the bottom number), then you should contact your doctor or care team.

High blood pressure during pregnancy can affect how well blood flows to the placenta, which may impact the baby’s growth and well-being. This can lead to complications such as preeclampsia and can increase the chance of early delivery. High blood pressure can also happen after your baby is born. This is called postpartum hypertension, and it can be just as serious as high blood pressure during pregnancy.

When high blood pressure is found early, your doctor or care team can keep both you and baby safe. However, symptoms aren’t always obvious. It’s important to go to all prenatal and postpartum appointments and tell your provider how you’re feeling, even weeks after delivery — no concern is too small. Family history, previous experiences with high blood pressure and current symptoms all provide vital information to keep you safe and healthy.

If you experience any of the follow symptoms, contact your doctor or care team right away.

• A headache that won’t go away
• Blurry vision
• Seeing spots or changes in eyesight
• Pain in the upper stomach area
• Nausea or vomiting
• Swelling of the face or hands
• Sudden weight gain

If you can’t reach your doctor, go to the emergency room and let them know that you are pregnant or have recently been pregnant. These are signs of a condition called preeclampsia that require immediate treatment.

The goal is always to keep you and your baby safe. High blood pressure in pregnancy and postpartum is common and treatable, especially when caught early. Staying informed, monitoring your health, and keeping in close contact with your care team can make a big difference.

Share with your family and support people that you are still at risk for high blood pressure and preeclampsia after you deliver and let providers know you have been pregnant within the past year.

If you need assistance, education or support in managing high blood pressure, heart conditions or preeclampsia, please consider contacting these organizations.

American Heart Association
High Blood Pressure Helpline: Call 1-800-242-4736
Resources in Spanish: Visit www.heart.org/es

Preeclampsia Foundation
Helpline: Call 321-421-6957 (Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.)