Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH)
Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH) is defined as the development of raised blood pressure in pregnancy.
Pre-eclampsia
Pre-eclampsia is a condition that occurs only during pregnancy or immediately after the delivery of a baby. Women suffering from pre-eclampsia develop high blood pressure, together with protein in the urine.
It is known as a multi-system disorder which means it can affect different parts of the body such as the liver, kidneys, and cardiovascular system, and how your blood clots.
How common are these conditions?
PIH occurs in approximately 5% - 8% of all pregnancies and approximately 20% of women with raised blood pressure also develop pre-eclampsia.
Pre-eclampsia usually occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy. It does not always need treatment. Regular check-ups on the health of you and your baby may be all that is required.
Who is at higher risk of Pre-eclampsia?
You may be more susceptible to pre-eclampsia if:
- This is your first pregnancy - 1 in 30 women tend to develop pre-eclampsia in their first pregnancy
- Your mother and/or sisters have had pre-eclampsia
- You have had pre-eclampsia in a previous pregnancy
- You are a teenager or a woman aged 40 or more
- You have existing medical problems such as diabetes, kidney disease or high blood pressure
- You are overweight or obese
- You are expecting a multiple birth - twins, triplets, etc
Treatment of pre-eclampsia
Women with pre-eclampsia need admission to hospital and often medicines to lower their high blood pressure. Occasionally, pre-eclampsia is a reason to deliver the baby early - you may be offered induction of labour or caesarean section
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To promote health throughout your pregnancy, it is essential that you work with your health care provider to create a plan for your healthy diet.
Follow DASH diet to reduce hypertension:
Advice:
- Use less salt as needed for taste
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day
- Increase the amount of protein you take in and decrease the amount of fried foods and junk food you eat
- Avoid drinking alcohol
- Avoid beverages containing caffeine
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