Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause high blood pressure in about 7 percent of women. There are three main types of high blood pressure caused during pregnancy:
- Chronic hypertension is high blood pressure that was present before the pregnancy. If high blood pressure occurs before week 20, it is usually chronic hypertension (either essential or secondary).
- Gestational hypertension (also called pregnancy-induced hypertension) is high blood pressure caused by increased levels of estrogen. This usually returns to normal a few months after the baby is delivered.
- Preeclampsia (also called toxemia of pregnancy) is a serious condition in which the arteries of the woman and the placenta tighten. There is increased risk of blood clots and fluid retention and can cause more serious symptoms. Preeclampsia must be closely monitored and often requires an early delivery to protect the health of mother and baby.
