PREGNANCY and hypertension

PREGNANCY and Hypertension(Increased blood pressure)
Some females may develop Hypertension during the later half of their pregnancy,called Pre-eclampsia.The exact cause is not known,but is more common in obese(overweight) females & diabetics.
If you experience dizzy spells,swelling in the feet and face,pass thick,cloudy urine,get to the doctor immediately!Hypertension in pregnancy needs prompt treatment,A delay could be very dangerous to both mother and child.
Often,low salt diet,total bed rest and mild sedatives would be suggested but in more severe cases the doctor will admit you for intensive care.If untreated,the person may have seizures and later may go into coma and die.With prompt treatment,the prognosis is good,with pregnancy continuing for the full term and normal delivery thereafter.
Severe cases(Eclampsia) may need termination of pregnancy,if diagnosed before 24th week,to save the mother.
If after 36th week,labour will be induced (to deliver the child alive) and the mother treated with intravenous medicines.
The condition may repeat in future pregnancies also and will need special care(high risk pregnancy) throughout the period of pregnancy.Medications will be continued after delivery for a few weeks or months,and in most cases will be stopped after blood pressure returns to normal.