What are the different types of high blood pressure in pregnancy?
High blood pressure caused by the pregnancy About 1 in 4 women develop high blood pressure in their first pregnancy. It is less common in further pregnancies. If you develop high blood pressure, it usually first becomes high after the 20th week of pregnancy. It usually returns to normal after the pregnancy. Some women who have high blood pressure caused by pregnancy develop pre-eclampsia (see below). The reason why pregnancy may cause high blood pressure is not fully understood. It probably has something to do with a slight problem with the placenta (the afterbirth). This is the attachment between the baby and the mother’s uterus (womb). Somehow this may affect the blood pressure in the mother. Other causes Some women already have high blood pressure before they become pregnant. There are various causes. See separate leaflet called ‘High Blood Pressure’ for details. If you are taking medication to treat high blood pressure then, ideally, you should have this reviewed before you become
