What is pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH)?
Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is a form of high blood pressure in pregnancy. It occurs in about 7
to 10 percent of all pregnancies. Another type of high blood pressure is chronic hypertension - high
blood pressure that is present before pregnancy begins.
Pregnancy-induced hypertension is also called toxemia or preeclampsia. It occurs most often in young
women with a first pregnancy. It is more common in twin pregnancies, and in women who had PIH in a
previous pregnancy.
Usually, there are three primary characteristics of this condition, including the following:
high blood pressure (a blood pressure reading higher than 140/90 mm Hg or a significant increase in one
or both pressures)
protein in the urine
edema (swelling)
Eclampsia is a severe form of pregnancy-induced hypertension. Women with eclampsia have seizures
resulting from the condition. Eclampsia occurs in about one in 1,600 pregnancies and develops near the
end of pregnancy, in most cases.
HELLP syndrome is a complication of severe preeclampsia or eclampsia. HELLP syndrome is a group of
physical changes including the breakdown of red blood cells, changes in the liver, and low platelets (cells
found in the blood that are needed to help the blood to clot in order to control bleeding).
What causes pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH)?
The cause of PIH is unknown. Some conditions may increase the risk of developing PIH, including the
following:
pre-existing hypertension (high blood pressure)
kidney disease
diabetes
PIH with a previous pregnancy
mother's age younger than 20 or older than 40
multiple fetuses (twins, triplets)
Why is pregnancy-induced hypertension a concern?
With high blood pressure, there is an increase in the resistance of blood vessels. This may hinder blood
flow in many different organ systems in the expectant mother including the liver, kidneys, brain, uterus,
and placenta.
There are other problems that may develop as a result of PIH. Placental abruption (premature
detachment of the placenta from the uterus) may occur in some pregnancies. PIH can also lead to fetal
problems including intrauterine growth restriction (poor fetal growth) and stillbirth.
If untreated, severe PIH may cause dangerous seizures and even death in the mother and fetus. Because
of these risks, it may be necessary for the baby to be delivered early, before 37 weeks gestation.
What are the symptoms of pregnancy-induced hypertension?
The following are the most common symptoms of high blood pressure in pregnancy. However, each
woman may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
increased blood pressure
protein in the urine
edema (swelling)
sudden weight gain
visual changes such as blurred or double vision
nausea, vomiting
right-sided upper abdominal pain or pain around the stomach
urinating small amounts
changes in liver or kidney function tests
How is pregnancy-induced hypertension diagnosed?
Diagnosis is often based on the increase in blood pressure levels, but other symptoms may help
establish PIH as the diagnosis. Tests for pregnancy-induced hypertension may include the following:
blood pressure measurement
urine testing
assessment of edema
frequent weight measurements
eye examination to check for retinal changes
liver and kidney function tests
blood clotting tests
Treatment for pregnancy-induced hypertension:
Specific treatment for pregnancy-induced hypertension will be determined by your physician based on:
your pregnancy, overall health and medical history
extent of the disease
your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
expectations for the course of the disease
your opinion or preference
The goal of treatment is to prevent the condition from becoming worse and to prevent it from causing
other complications. Treatment for pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) may include:
bedrest (either at home or in the hospital may be recommended).
hospitalization (as specialized personnel and equipment may be necessary).
magnesium sulfate (or other antihypertensive medications for PIH).
fetal monitoring (to check the health of the fetus when the mother has PIH) may include:
fetal movement counting - keeping track of fetal kicks and movements. A change in the number or
frequency may mean the fetus is under stress.
nonstress testing - a test that measures the fetal heart rate in response to the fetus' movements.
biophysical profile - a test that combines nonstress test with ultrasound to observe the fetus.
Doppler flow studies - type of ultrasound that uses sound waves to measure the flow of blood through a
blood vessel.
continued laboratory testing of urine and blood (for changes that may signal worsening of PIH).
medications, called corticosteroids, that may help mature the lungs of the fetus (lung immaturity is a
major problem of premature babies).
delivery of the baby (if treatments do not control PIH or if the fetus or mother is in danger). Cesarean
delivery may be recommended, in some cases.
