Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH); a rising threat to mothers

Becoming a mother is the joyous moments in the life of every woman. Especially, for those who had been married for years but couldn’t bear a child. You might be one of them, who has been hearing harsh words, sometimes being insulted by their families and getting a title of “barren woman” which is truly a heart wrenching experience. But now, your prayers has been answered and you are carrying your child. It’s the time you should be more careful about your health. Consistent checkups are essential for your well-being as being pregnant is not only a precious time but it is a risk for your health.

Have you ever heard the term “Pregnancy Induced Hypertension”? If yes, it’s good but if your answer is no, then don’t worry, this blog is all about this phrase.

Pregnancy Induced Hypertension also known as Gestational Hypertension, is the condition of raised blood pressure, observed in first twenty weeks of pregnancy.

The systolic blood pressure must be >140mmHg and diastolic blood pressure be >90mmHg for it to be called as PIH. If during checkups and follow ups, it has been observed, then you should start concentrating on yourself for it can be life- threatening.

Causes of PIH

There are many reasons of developing this condition;

Obesity: Increased weight is a risk factor of hypertension. More weight persuades your heart and lungs to work more thus you feel heavy breathing even if you aren’t doing any chores.
Chronic Hypertension: It is a state in which a person suffers from high blood pressure although they are not conceiving. You can detect this if your BP used to increase before twenty weeks pregnancy. A pre-existing hypertension deteriorates the condition as your body weight increases during pregnancy.
PIH in previous pregnancy: If you had been pregnant before and suffered from PIH, then there is a chance of developing it again.
Diabetes and Kidney Issues: An already kidney problem or caused by diabetes leads to PIH, as high blood sugar levels weakens the kidneys, which makes salt (sodium) to be retained in the body. This increased salt, raises the blood pressure.
Stress: Woman tend to have stress during pregnancy. It can be due to overthinking, restlessness or any other thing that triggers your mind. This switches your body’s calm state to fight and flight state known as Sympathetic response that in turn elevates your heart rate and blood pressure.

Classification of PIH

PIH can be classified into three conditions:

Gestational: It involves raised blood pressure only during pregnancy.
Pre-eclampsia: This condition occurs in extreme gestational hypertension. The tests like ALT(Alanine aminotransferase) , Serum Creatinine, RBCs count and platelet increases, along with presence of protein in urine. Having this situation indicates that a person has Pre-eclampsia.
Eclampsia: Along with raised tests levels, if a person start to have seizures or fits, this condition is called as eclampsia. It worsens patient’s health and may cause still birth of baby.

If you have anyone among these, report to your gynecologist immediately.

Treatment of PIH

1. Psychologically

Your mind plays a significant part in improving your health or ruining it. Thus, this section is included in the treatment. It can also be called a non-pharmacological treatment. Try to relax and calm your mind by closing all doors from where those negative thoughts are emerging and diverting your focus on self care. For example, following your hobbies, spending time with people who are your strength, going for a walk or doing yoga in your room assists in ameliorating your health.

2. Pharmaceutically

In pregnancy, many medications are contraindicated. But fortunately there is a drug named methyl dopa that reduces the blood pressure and is safe for you. You may have been prescribed by this drug.

Conclusion

I would like to conclude with few words that will help you choose what is right for you. If you have accepted of having PIH through this blog, and it has also been confirmed by the doctor, then now is your time to be vigilant and to be more concerned about your health. You should go for follow ups, and laboratory tests if needed and keep record of your blood pressure. Carelessness within this period, will dangerously affect your life and initiate problems in your unborn child also.