Chronic Hypertension
Quick Facts
- High blood pressure can develop before, during or after pregnancy. Chronic hypertension is high blood pressure diagnosed before pregnancy or up to 20 weeks.
- Lifestyle changes can help lower your blood pressure before and during pregnancy.
- If you have high blood pressure before becoming pregnant, talk to your health care professional about any medications you are taking.
What is chronic hypertension?
High blood pressure can develop before, during and after pregnancy.
Chronic hypertension is high blood pressure that is diagnosed before pregnancy or before 20 weeks.
High blood pressure puts both mom and baby at risk of pregnancy complications and heart disease and stroke. Women with chronic hypertension are at a higher risk of developing preeclampsia, a dangerous form of high blood pressure. Your health care professional can help you lower your risk by managing your blood pressure.
What is considered healthy blood pressure during pregnancy?
New: Blood Pressure Categories During Pregnancy
| BLOOD PRESSURE CATEGORY | SYSTOLIC mm Hg (top/upper number) | and/or | DIASTOLIC mm Hg (bottom/lower number) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NON-HYPERTENSIVE | LESS THAN 140 | and | LESS THAN 90 |
| HYPERTENSION IN PREGNANCY* | 140 OR HIGHER | or | 90 or higher |
| SEVERE HYPERTENSION* (If you don’t have symptoms, call your health care professional immediately) |
160 OR HIGHER | or | 110 OR HIGHER |
| * If you have any of these symptoms, call 911: severe headache, change in vision, abdominal pain, chest pain, significant swelling, or shortness of breath | |||
Learn more about measuring your blood pressure.
If I have high blood pressure, how does that impact my pregnancy or my baby?
Women with high blood pressure who get pregnant are more likely to have pregnancy complications. Work with your health care professional to lower your blood pressure to a healthy level before becoming pregnant.
One way you can lower your blood pressure is through lifestyle changes including:
- Eating healthy
- Moving more
- Managing weight
- Cutting nicotine and tobacco
- Sleeping well
In addition to lifestyle changes, you may need medication.
Having a healthy blood pressure before, during and after pregnancy is best for both mom and baby.
Can I get pregnant if I have high blood pressure?
Yes. If you have high blood pressure and plan to get pregnant, work with your health care team to lower your blood pressure before becoming pregnant. Your health care provider may recommend lifestyle changes or medication to help manage your blood pressure. Be sure to discuss any medications before becoming pregnant.
If I have high blood pressure, can I take my blood pressure medication if I become pregnant?
It’s important to control your blood pressure while pregnant and postpartum, but not all blood pressure medications are safe during pregnancy.
Women who are taking atenolol, Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs), direct renin inhibitors, nitroprusside, or Mineralocorticoid Receptor Agonists (MRAs) for high blood pressure should not become pregnant while on these medications or classes of medication. If you’re taking any of these medications or classes of medication and think you might be pregnant, see your health care professional immediately for assessment and advice.
Learn about blood pressure medications.
Is chronic hypertension the same as gestational hypertension?
No, they are different.
- Chronic hypertension means you had high blood pressure before pregnancy or before 20 weeks of pregnancy.
- Gestational hypertension is high blood pressure diagnosed after 20 weeks of pregnancy in someone who:
- Had normal blood pressure before pregnancy
- Doesn’t have protein in the urine
- Doesn’t have any severe signs and symptoms of preeclampsia
For both diagnoses, 140/90 mm Hg or higher is the threshold for diagnosis.
