How to best celebrate Mothers’ Day? Know the symptoms that might just save A mom’s life
By Kelly McGrath, MD
We just celebrated Mother’s Day this past Sunday. In appreciation of moms everywhere, it is helpful to know about high blood pressure disorders of pregnancy. Because these are common, yet serious conditions for pregnant moms, those who recently delivered and their babies, knowing the danger signs of these conditions may just save a mom or her baby’s life.
In the US, high blood pressure disorders in pregnancy affect about 1 in 12 pregnancies which can result in serious harms including death of the mother and baby. They also can result in complications including strokes, seizures and organ failure. The incidence of these disorders has nearly tripled in the past 30 years, and accounts for approximately 7% of all maternal deaths as well as being a frequent cause of preterm births.
Clearwater Valley Health and St. Mary’s Health are part of the Idaho Perinatal Quality Collaborative to improve outcomes for moms and babies. This is a state-wide effort to improve care around care around the common conditions that impact maternal and newborn mortality in our state. Improving outcomes related to blood pressure disorders in pregnancy is a central effort. Through collaboration, education and measuring outcomes, this coalition is driving improvement in these pregnancy-related conditions.
With proper recognition and treatment, complications of high blood pressure in pregnancy can usually be safely managed with good outcomes for the mother and baby. Perhaps the greatest risk is not recognizing the condition before there are serious consequences. Since there can be lots of new symptoms during pregnancy and in the weeks after delivery, it is easy for moms to just assume these things are “normal.” For that reason, it is helpful for everyone on the healthcare team, as well as patients, families and friends, to be aware of the signs and symptoms of this condition.
The most common sign is the new onset of high blood pressure after 20 weeks during pregnancy. At least two blood pressure readings, measured at least 4 hours apart, which are greater than 140/90 is a core sign. When this is accompanied any symptoms including persistent severe headache, visual changes, or abdominal pain, this may indicate that the patient has preeclampsia – or what used to be known as “toxemia.” Another concerning symptom includes new swelling of the face, legs or hands, typically accompanied by an abrupt weight gain. New shortness of breath may also be an indicator of preeclampsia. Development of any of these symptoms during pregnancy, or within 6 weeks after delivery, needs prompt medical evaluation.
If the blood pressure is severely elevated, typically with blood pressures greater than 160/110, this represents a serious obstetric emergency requiring immediate emergency care.
Those at highest risk for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy include women who have had this condition in a prior pregnancy, who have diabetes, kidney disease or autoimmune disorders, or who are carrying twins or triplets. Moms with a family history of preeclampsia, maternal age over age 35 years, obesity or who are African American are also at increased risk.
If you are pregnant, the best way to stay safe is to establish care early in the pregnancy and attend all medical appointments including those after delivery. If you develop any of the warning signs mentioned above – even up to 6 weeks after delivery, seek immediate care. It is not unusual that friends or family have saved a patient’s life by having awareness of these symptoms and encouraging moms to seek prompt care. Let’s celebrate Mother’s Day all year long by being more aware of this condition to keep our moms and their babies safe!