Condition
High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy: What to Know
High blood pressure that you had before pregnancy, or that starts before 20 weeks, is called chronic hypertension. It needs close monitoring because it raises the risk of preeclampsia and other problems. With a good plan, most people and babies do well. This page is educational, not medical advice.
Call now if you have
- A blood pressure reading of 160/110 or higher
- A severe headache that does not go away
- Vision changes: blurriness, spots, or flashing lights
- Chest pain or trouble breathing
These can be signs of dangerously high blood pressure. Call your clinician or go to labor and delivery.
What is high blood pressure in pregnancy?
Chronic hypertension is high blood pressure before pregnancy or before 20 weeks. Gestational hypertension starts later. Both need monitoring because they raise the risk of preeclampsia, growth problems, and preterm birth.
How it is managed
Care includes home blood-pressure monitoring, blood-pressure medications that are safe in pregnancy, and sometimes low-dose aspirin to lower preeclampsia risk. Your clinician sets your target and your plan.
How Materna helps
Materna sends home blood-pressure checks to your phone, computes your risk between visits, and routes anything concerning to a bilingual 24/7 nurse line and cardio-obstetrics support. Spanish-first and Medicaid-friendly.
Frequently asked questions
- What blood pressure is too high in pregnancy?
- A reading of 140/90 or higher is elevated, and 160/110 or higher needs urgent attention. Home monitoring helps you and your clinician catch changes early.
- Are blood-pressure medications safe in pregnancy?
- Some are. Several blood-pressure medications are used safely in pregnancy, while others are avoided. Your clinician will choose the right one for you.
- Does Materna accept Medicaid?
- Yes. Materna works with Medicaid and managed-care plans in Arizona, California, Texas, and Pennsylvania, and care is free for patients.
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