Pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) is a condition of high blood pressure during pregnancy.

Your blood pressure goes up, you retain

water, and protein is found in your urine. It is also called toxemia or preeclampsia. The exact cause of PIH is unknown.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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:

Doppler flow studies - type of ultrasound that uses sound waves to measure the flow of blood through a blood vessel.
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 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.