High blood pressure during pregnancy can endanger the life of both mother and baby. Obstetrician and Gynecologist working at Morang Cooperative Hospital Biratnagar Dr. According to Balkrishna Sah, high blood pressure (eclampsia) during pregnancy is the most dangerous condition. In such a situation, the possibility of maternal death is up to 10 percent.
What is high blood pressure in pregnancy?
The condition in which blood pressure increases after 20 weeks (about 5 months) of pregnancy and returns to normal within 12 weeks after delivery is called 'Pregnancy Induced Hypertension' . In this case, the blood pressure reaches 140/90 or more. Dr. According to Shah, a single measurement does not confirm high blood pressure. If the blood pressure is above 140/90 twice at least 4 hours apart, this condition is confirmed .
Such high blood pressure is caused by placenta (placenta) or womb . If the blood pressure is only increased and there are no other complications, it is called 'gestational hypertension'. However, if there is protein in the urine, it is 'pre-eclampsia' and then there is tremor or fainting, it is 'eclampsia', which is very dangerous .
Risks and facts
Eclampsia puts both mother and baby at risk . Around 63,000 maternal deaths in the world are caused by pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. Eclampsia accounts for 5.6% of maternal deaths in the US, 11.8% in the UK and 23% in India. According to the 2078 maternal mortality study in Nepal, 12 percent of maternal deaths were due to high blood pressure and its complications (eclampsia).
"If the period of pregnancy is less than 34 weeks, the risk of maternal death increases even more," Dr. Saha says . In this case, complex treatment is required to control the mother's blood pressure and protect the baby.
Complications
High blood pressure puts pregnant women at risk of fainting, unconsciousness, narrowing of blood vessels and even death. Infants are at risk of low birth weight, premature birth, or stillbirth. Such complications are more common in the first pregnancy.
solutions and precautions
Medicines are used to control high blood pressure . However, if there is eclampsia or if the blood pressure is not controlled by medication, the baby may have to be delivered by surgery (Cesarean section) even if the pregnancy period is not reached.
Because pregnancy is risky, he suggested not to get married and get pregnant before the age of 20, to have regular pregnancy tests and to deliver in a health institution. "Regular blood pressure check, taking medicine and after reaching 37 weeks, you should prepare to give birth before complications appear," he said.
Improvement in maternal mortality reduction
There has been some reduction in the maternal mortality rate in Nepal due to the expansion of health services, bleeding management, family planning and safe delivery. However, hypertension and eclampsia are still the second leading cause of maternal mortality. "Awareness, regular health check-ups and timely treatment can reduce this risk," said Dr. Sah's suggestion is .
