Gestational Hypertension: What Are the Symptoms and Prevention Methods?

[Suwon Ilbo= Reporter Kim A-hyun] Interest in gestational hypertension is increasing.

The most common symptoms of gestational hypertension are known to be high blood pressure and proteinuria. However, these symptoms do not always appear. According to actual research, 38% of gestational hypertension patients showed no symptoms of high blood pressure or proteinuria.

Other symptoms may include weight gain or swelling in the hands and feet, but these are common symptoms that also occur in normal pregnancy, making it difficult for expectant mothers to notice them.

Experts say that after 20 weeks of pregnancy, gestational hypertension should be suspected in cases of ▲sudden vision deterioration ▲rapid weight gain (0.9kg per week) ▲severe pain in the abdomen just below the ribs ▲persistent severe headaches ▲swelling of the face, hands, and feet.

In particular, ▲expectant mothers aged 35 or older ▲those with conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or obesity have a higher risk of developing gestational hypertension and require more careful monitoring.

Since the exact cause of gestational hypertension has not been identified, there is no specific prevention method. However, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity are strong risk factors for gestational hypertension, so maintaining proper lifestyle habits at all times is important.