High blood pressure and planning a pregnancy
About 1 in 10 women have high blood pressure (hypertension) during pregnancy. You may have had high blood pressure in the past or it may have been diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy.
Planning a pregnancy when you have a history of high blood pressure
If you have a history of high blood pressure, your GP or specialist can help you plan your pregnancy.
Talking to them before you get pregnant gives you the chance to change to a different blood pressure medicine if the one you’re taking isn’t safe for pregnancy.
If you’re already pregnant, speak to your doctor straight away so they can make sure your blood pressure medication is safe to continue taking.
Your doctor will also give you information about how a healthy diet and active lifestyle can help to lower your blood pressure. For example, cutting down on the amount of salt in your food and doing some exercise, such as brisk walking or swimming, every day can also help.
During your pregnancy, your midwife and doctor will monitor your blood pressure to make sure it doesn’t harm you or your baby.
High blood pressure before pregnancy means you are at higher risk for a pregnancy condition called pre-eclampsia (see below).
What happens if I develop high blood pressure during pregnancy?
If you develop high blood pressure during pregnancy, your doctor or midwife will check it once or twice a week until it falls to 135/85 mmHg. They may also offer you medication to lower your blood pressure.
What if I develop severe high blood pressure during pregnancy?
If you have severe high blood pressure (160/110 mmHg or higher) you may need to go into hospital, where health professionals will monitor you and your baby. They will give you medication to lower your blood pressure.
If your blood pressure stays high and you are more than 37 weeks pregnant, your doctor or midwife will talk to you about whether it would be safer to deliver your baby early. They will explain the advantages and disadvantages of this so you can decide what is best for you and your baby.
Can high blood pressure harm me and my baby?
If high blood pressure isn’t treated, there’s a higher chance of you having a stroke, where the brain can’t get enough oxygen and nutrients. Your baby is more likely to be smaller than usual at birth or need to stay in neonatal intensive care.
High blood pressure together with protein in the urine after 20 weeks of pregnancy can be a sign of pre-eclampsia. Most cases of pre-eclampsia are mild but if severe pre-eclampsia is left untreated, it can be dangerous for the mother and baby.
Be aware of the following symptoms and contact your doctor or midwife straight away if they happen to you:
- a very bad headache
- sight problems, such as blurring or flashing lights
- severe pain just below your ribs
- vomiting
- sudden swelling in your face, hands or feet.
After the birth
Your midwife will check your blood pressure regularly for a few days after you’ve had your baby. If you take medication, you may need to carry on taking this until your blood pressure returns to a safe level. Before you leave hospital, your midwife will tell you how your blood pressure will be checked at home.
NHS (2018) Pre-eclampsia: complications. www.nhs.uk/conditions/pre-eclampsia/complications/
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2008, updated 2019) Antenatal care for uncomplicated pregnancies. Clinical guideline [CG62] www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg62
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2019) Hypertension in pregnancy: diagnosis and management. NICE guideline [NG133]. www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng133
Webster K et al. (2019) Diagnosis and management of hypertension in pregnancy: summary of updated NICE guidance. BMJ 366: l5119.
NHS (2018) High blood pressure (hypertension) and pregnancy. www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/hypertension-blood-pressure-pregnant/
-
How to know when you are pregnant
How do you know whether you're pregnant or not? If you've been trying to get pregnant, there are a few ways to find out whether you're pregnant. -
Taking a pregnancy test
Pregnancy tests work by looking for a hormone called human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). This hormone is only made in your body when you are pregnant. -
‘Media glamourises pregnancy at advanced ages,’ study suggests
Researchers say women are being misled into thinking pregnancy is more straightforward past the age of 35 than it is. -
Parents' health before pregnancy affects future pregnancy and baby
Research shows that the health of mothers and fathers BEFORE pregnancy affects the health of the future pregnancy and baby. -
I just knew that there were no guarantees for us when trying to conceive
Amanda, 26, had irregular periods and she knew getting pregnant would be a challenge. She and her husband decided to become healthier when they were planning to have a baby. They now have a daughter called Shelbie. -
“I knew I was ready to try again”
Claire Gale, 30, and husband Mark, 32, from Bournemouth always wanted a family. Last year and 8 weeks into her pregnancy, Claire miscarried, but she trusted her body to tell her when it was time to try again for a baby.
-
Geri Horner is pregnant at 44 and glowing!
Last week the 44 year-old former Spice Girl revealed that she's expecting a child with her husband Christian Horner. Our midwife Nikki explains that while it's more difficult, many women still conceive naturally and have healthy pregnancies over 40. -
The accessible pregnancy test for people who experience sight loss
The accessible pregnancy test prototype that allows those who are blind and partially sighted to discover the result for themselves. -
Planning a pregnancy
If you've decided you're ready to start a family, find out how to get pregnant and some of the lifestyle changes that might help you. -
New Planning for Pregnancy tool launched to support safe and healthy pregnancies
This free digital tool gives women all the information they need to know before pregnancy. -
How age affects fertility
Your age affects your fertility, with a gradual decline in the ability to get pregnant starting at age 34. -
Planning a pregnancy and managing your mental health
Taking care of your mental wellbeing as well as your physical health before pregnancy is important.