High blood pressure in pregnancy

By Editor | May 1, 2026 |

Strong Women… Strong Community monthly column

By Dr. Rachel Sinkey
UAB Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

High blood pressure during pregnancy is common and treatable. It is important to know the signs to keep you and your baby safe.

What are the 2 main types of high blood pressure in pregnancy?

Chronic hypertension: high blood pressure before pregnancy or diagnosed before 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Pregnancy-associated hypertension: high blood pressure diagnosed after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

What blood pressure numbers are considered high in pregnancy?

A top number, or systolic blood pressure reading of 140 mmHg or more, or a bottom number of 90 mmHg or more, is considered high in pregnancy. This is higher than for non-pregnant people, where many use a cutoff of 130/80 mmHg.

What’s the big deal about high blood pressure in pregnancy?

High blood pressure in pregnancy can lead to problems for the mother and the baby.

For the mother, the blood pressure can get too high, leading to a stroke, kidney or heart problems.

For the baby, it can slow growth, lead to early delivery, raise the risk of placental abruption (bleeding), and increase the risk of stillbirth.

How can I keep me and my baby safe?

Before pregnancy: See your doctor to make sure you are on pregnancy-safe blood pressure medicines, and that your doctor thinks it is safe for you to have a baby. Sometimes, even small habit changes can help.

When you find out you are pregnant: Call your doctor right away and tell them you have high blood pressure so that they can see you soon.

Are blood pressure medicines safe in pregnancy?

Yes. The two most common blood pressure medicines in pregnancy are labetalol and nifedipine (Procardia), although there are others that are safe, as well. Check with your doctor to see what is best for you.

Will I need any other medicines?

For women with chronic hypertension, the type that is diagnosed before pregnancy or before 20 weeks, it is recommended to take a baby aspirin (81 mg), starting around 12 weeks of pregnancy to reduce your risk of preeclampsia.

What is the difference between hypertension and preeclampsia?

Hypertension: high blood pressure (in pregnancy, 140/90 mmHg or higher, either number)

Preeclampsia: a new diagnosis of high blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy with other signs that organs are getting sick (often protein in the urine).

Do I need to have a c-section if I have high blood pressure?

Vaginal birth is generally safest for mom and baby. High blood pressure does not change how you have your baby.

Are there special precautions I should take during labor to stay safe?

For patients with preeclampsia, especially the severe form, doctors often give magnesium by IV to lower the risk of seizures.

Will high blood pressure go away after delivery?

It depends. If the high blood pressure was there before pregnancy or less than 20 weeks, it will likely remain.

If the high blood pressure started after 20 weeks of pregnancy, it will likely go away by 6 weeks after birth. However, it raises your risk of having hypertension later.

Does high blood pressure in pregnancy raise my future health risk?

It does. High blood pressure in pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of heart disease. After delivery, when you see your primary care doctor, let them know you had high blood pressure in pregnancy.

There are things you can do to stay healthy. Eight heart healthy behaviors identified by the American Heart Association, called Life’s Essential 8, are to eat healthy, be physically active, stop smoking, get adequate sleep, maintain a healthy weight, control cholesterol, manage blood sugar, and keep blood pressure in a healthy range.