BP: Gynaecologist tasks pregnant women on antenatal
BP: Gynaecologist tasks pregnant women on antenatal Dr Peter Obane, a gynaecologist at Calvary Estate Hospital, Benin, Edo, has warned that blood pressure in pregnant women could lead to other complications, if not treated. Obane said this in an interview on Tuesday in Benin. He defined blood pressure as “a condition in which the force […]
BP: Gynaecologist tasks pregnant women on antenatal
Dr Peter Obane, a gynaecologist at Calvary Estate Hospital, Benin, Edo, has warned that blood pressure in pregnant women could lead to other complications, if not treated.
Obane said this in an interview on Tuesday in Benin.
He defined blood pressure as “a condition in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high.
“A blood pressure chart can help you figure out if your blood pressure is at a healthy level or if you will need to take some steps to improve your numbers.
“The level of your blood pressure determines what kind of treatment you may need.
“To get an accurate blood pressure measurement, your doctor should evaluate your readings based on the average of two or more blood pressure readings at three or more office visits.
“Some women develop severe hypertension which may be at risk for more serious complications later in pregnancy, like preeclampsia.
“Women with gestational hypertension have high blood pressure that develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
“High blood pressure, or hypertension, is defined as blood pressure greater than or equal to 130/80 mm Hg,” he said.
The physician said causes of blood pressure in pregnant women includes; overweight or obesity lack of enough physical activity, smoking and drinking alcohol.
Others, he said, are first-time pregnancy, a family history of pregnancy-related hypertension, carrying more than one child, overage (over 35), assistive reproductive technology (such as in vitro fertilisation or IVF) and having diabetes or certain autoimmune diseases.
Obane said blood pressure during pregnancy poses various risks, including decreased blood flow to the placenta, prematurity, placental abruption, preeclampsia and future cardiovascular disease.
He said monitoring your blood pressure was an important part of prenatal care which every pregnant woman must indulge in.
The gynaecologist therefore advised pregnant women to regularly visit a doctor to check their weight, blood pressure and urine tests.
Source: NAN
Photo Credit: Google
