It’s long been known that hypertension, or high blood pressure, can be risky during pregnancy for both mother and child, but new research has uncovered the fact that this condition may have far-reaching future consequences for women.
In a study conducted at Taiwan’s China Medical University Hospital, researchers compared statistics for women who had suffered from high blood pressure and related issues during pregnancy. They found that these women were predisposed to both kidney disease and renal disease. Kidney disease was shown to be 11 times more likely, while renal disease occurred 14 times more often.
The data on kidney disease backs up previous research conducted in Norway, underscoring the fact that hypertension during pregnancy can have consequences long after a woman has given birth. Further complicating the situation is the fact that certain medications to treat high blood pressure may have a detrimental effect on unborn children.
High blood pressure during pregnancy had already been linked to premature birth, low birth weight and, in some cases, placental abruption (a condition in which the placenta becomes detached from the uterine wall). Previous research had also found a link between pregnancy hypertension and low IQs in children. This new research emphasizes not only the importance of controlling blood pressure during pregnancy, but also of monitoring mothers after the birth to catch the early warning signs of kidney and renal disease.
Recognize the Warning Signs
If you’ve experienced high blood pressure while pregnant, it’s important to know the symptoms so that you can seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some of the more common warning signs include:
- Swelling in the face and extremities
- Nausea
- Changes in the frequency or urgency of urination
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
Unfortunately, the prognosis for those diagnosed with kidney disease varies widely. Some treatments may prove successful in slowing the progression of the disease and easing symptoms in sufferers, but no solid solution yet exists. However, medical science is always working toward better treatments for this potentially fatal illness.
If you are planning to become pregnant, it is vitally important that you keep your blood pressure in check to reduce your risk of pregnancy hypertension. If you have concerns, contact your OB/GYN to discuss possible lifestyle changes that can reduce your risk and keep you and your baby healthy.
