What is pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) (also called gestational hypertension)?
If you are pregnant and your systolic pressure is 140+ or the diastolic pressure is 90+ on several readings, it is too high. Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is a type of hypertension (high blood pressure) that happens only during pregnancy. It can be mild or become very serious. The chart under the heading “How will I know if I have PIH?” shows the different stages and symptoms of PIH. PIH may develop slowly or come on suddenly without warning anytime during your pregnancy, during labor and even just after you have your baby. There is no cure for PIH while you are pregnant; the only cure is to deliver your baby. But there are treatments and medicines to (1) help you from becoming more ill, (2) to prolong the pregnancy so your baby becomes more mature and (3) to help you and your baby get through delivery safely. After delivery, the disease eventually goes away. You may have to continue taking medicines and seeing your doctor or specialist but you shouldn’t have any lasting effects
