Common Complications in Pregnancy

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when arteries from the heart to body organs are narrowed. In pregnancy, this can make it difficult for blood to reach the placenta. Reduced blood flow to the placenta can cause complications for both mom and baby, including preeclampsia, placental abruption, preterm delivery, and low birth weight.  

High blood pressure can be preexisting condition. If you have high blood pressure and hope to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about a treatment plan before you become pregnant.

If your blood pressure is high before or develops during pregnancy, “your prenatal care will shift to be a little more hands on,” says Dr. Angie DeGrio, OB/Gyn at Grand Itasca. “You’ll have a few extra ultrasounds to monitor baby’s growth as well as non-stress tests. Later in the pregnancy we listen to your baby’s heartbeat throughout your visits each week and serial ultrasound monitoring is important,” says DeGrio.