High blood pressure during pregnancy: Causes, treatment

KABUL (Pajhwok): Obstetrics specialists say some mothers face the issue of high blood pressure during pregnancy, which can be dangerous for both the mother and the fetus.

If certain related symptoms are observed, the mother should be under the care of a doctor.

Dr. Malali Rahim Faizi, the head of Malali Zhazantoon (Maternity) Hospital in Kabul, told Pajhwok Afghan News that some mothers have high blood pressure before pregnancy, while others develop this issue after pregnancy. Additionally, some women may face high blood pressure during pregnancy, which can be dangerous for both the mother and the fetus.

She described common symptoms of hyper-tension such as dizziness, sleepiness, and headaches, but explained: “High blood pressure is dangerous for all pregnant women. It can occur during the first, second, and third trimesters, and each stage has its own specific symptoms.”

She continued, “One type of high blood pressure, which is related to pregnancy, can lead to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, vision problems, and severe pain in the stomach. Additionally, there can be swelling in the hands and feet.”

According to her, in severe cases, seizures and nerve attacks can occur, causing the patient’s limbs to become stiff and leading to sudden attacks. This situation is an emergency and the patient must be urgently transferred to hospital.

Dr. Faizi emphasized that high blood pressure is especially dangerous for pregnant women and one of the leading causes of maternal and neonatal mortality. She said such patients must be under strict medical supervision.

Although she did not specify the exact cause of high blood pressure in pregnant women, she noted that various studies exist on this topic.

She advised that every pregnant woman should visit an obstetrics specialist during the first trimester of pregnancy. She added, “If the mother visits us on time, we can prevent the condition and help both the mother and the baby. If the visit is delayed, treatment might cause problems, and while we may save the mother’s life, the baby might be lost.”

Dr. Faizi explained that when a patient visits the hospital, the first step is to measure their blood pressure, and if it is high, they are immediately admitted to the emergency room.

She also advised mothers who have chronic high blood pressure to avoid fatty and salty foods.

She noted that high blood pressure tends to increase during winter, as cold weather causes the blood vessels to constrict, which leads to higher blood pressure. According to her, in the past month, 60 patients visited the hospital with high blood pressure, while in the summer, this number was around 30.

Dr. Nooria Noori, another obstetric specialist at the hospital, said that high blood pressure is more common in younger mothers and first-time pregnancies, and mothers should be under medical supervision throughout pregnancy.

She added that factors such as infections, kidney problems, diabetes, smoking, poor nutrition, urinary tract infections, stress, a history of high blood pressure, and genetics could contribute to the development of high blood pressure during pregnancy.

Dr. Najia Fazli, an obstetric specialist at Rabia Balkhi Hospital in Kabul, said, “High blood pressure during pregnancy can be a serious and dangerous issue for both the mother and the baby and requires proper medical care. For instance, it can lead to heart attacks, brain or heart failure, and kidney damage.”

She added that some mothers experience high blood pressure in the first trimester, some in the second, and others in the third trimester of pregnancy. After delivery, their blood pressure may return to normal level.

She also referred to another type of high blood pressure, which is chronic and exists before pregnancy. This condition can be treated with medication.

She stated that in addition to headaches and dizziness, swelling of the legs is another symptom of high blood pressure in pregnant women, which can sometimes be dangerous for both the mother and the baby.

She also recommended that pregnant women be under medical supervision, should engage in physical activity and follow a balanced diet rich in vitamins.

According to her, more than 200 patients with high blood pressure visit the emergency department of the hospital each month.

Mothers with high blood pressure

Habibah, a resident of Qala-i-Zaman Khan in Kabul, who brought her sister-in-law for examination at Malalai Hospital, said that the patient was suffering from high blood pressure.

She added: “Our patient is in her ninth month of pregnancy, and suddenly her blood pressure increased, she had a seizure, and her hands and feet became stiff, so we brought her to this hospital.”

Tayba, a 23-year-old resident of Kabul, who gave birth the day before and is currently hospitalized at Rabia Balkhi Hospital, said: “I never had high blood pressure before; it was always normal. Today, the doctors examined me and said my blood pressure is high, so I am now under care.”

Also, Bigam, 40 years old, who gave birth by cesarean section the day before, said that her blood pressure increased during childbirth, and to save both herself and the baby, a cesarean section was performed.

She, who now suffers from headaches and stomach pain, is under the care of doctors at Rabia Balkhi Hospital.

sa/ma