Pregnancy Induced

Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension (PIH)

Introduction

Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is a serious condition that can develop during pregnancy. It is characterized by high blood pressure and can lead to serious complications for both the mother and the baby.

Causes

The exact cause of PIH is unknown, but it is thought to be related to changes in the blood vessels that occur during pregnancy. These changes can lead to narrowing of the blood vessels, which can increase blood pressure.

Risk Factors

Certain factors can increase the risk of developing PIH, including:

• Being overweight or obese
• Having a family history of PIH
• Being pregnant with twins or multiples
• Being over the age of 35
• Having a history of chronic kidney disease or diabetes

Symptoms

The most common symptom of PIH is high blood pressure. Other symptoms may include:

• Headache
• Vision changes
• Nausea and vomiting
• Swelling in the hands, feet, and face
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain

Complications

PIH can lead to serious complications for both the mother and the baby. These complications can include:

• For the mother:
  • Preeclampsia
  • Eclampsia
  • Stroke
  • Heart attack
  • Kidney failure
• For the baby:
  • Premature birth
  • Low birth weight
  • Stillbirth

Diagnosis

PIH is diagnosed based on a physical examination and blood pressure readings. The doctor will also ask about the woman’s medical history and symptoms.

Treatment

The treatment for PIH depends on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, the doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as:

• Losing weight
• Eating a healthy diet
• Getting regular exercise
• Avoiding alcohol and tobacco

In more severe cases, the doctor may prescribe medication to lower blood pressure. The doctor may also recommend hospitalization if the condition is severe.

Prevention

There is no sure way to prevent PIH, but there are some things that women can do to reduce their risk, including:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Eating a healthy diet
• Getting regular exercise
• Avoiding alcohol and tobacco
• Seeing a doctor regularly during pregnancy

Outlook

The outlook for women with PIH depends on the severity of the condition. With early diagnosis and treatment, most women with PIH have a good outcome. However, women with severe PIH may have a higher risk of complications.

Additional Information

• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that all women be screened for PIH at each prenatal visit.
• The March of Dimes is a non-profit organization that provides information and support to women with PIH.
• The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has a website with information about PIH.

References

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2018). Pregnancy-induced hypertension. Retrieved from https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/pregnancy-induced-hypertension
• March of Dimes. (2018). Pregnancy-induced hypertension. Retrieved from https://www.marchofdimes.org/complications/pregnancy-induced-hypertension.aspx
• National Institutes of Health. (2018). Pregnancy-induced hypertension. Retrieved from https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pregnancy-induced-hypertension/conditioninfo/Pages/default.aspx