Hypertension During Pregnancy

Hypertension during Pregn cy WRITTEN BY DAWN ANDERSON | COURTESY PHOTOS

Studies have shown and statistics bear out that African-American women are at higher risk for high blood pressure and preeclampsia, a life-threatening condition during pregnancy. High blood pressure is very common, and Kentucky is among the states with the highest prevalence of hypertension. High blood pressure occurs in one in every 12-17 pregnancies in the United States. But, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Black, American Indian, and Alaska Native (AI/AN) women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women – and this disparity increases with age.”

Dr. Lecresha Yvette Sewell, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, SANE, with Norton OB/GYN Associates graduated from the University of Louisville, earned a Master’s of Science in Nursing from the University of Cincinnati, and received her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Chatham University. She is also CEO and Founder of Melanated Healthcare, an app that connects people of color to culturally compatible healthcare providers. She helps explain the terminology and risks associated with hypertension and pregnancy. “Preeclampsia is tied to high blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure before becoming pregnant – also known as chronic hypertension - you are at greater risk for preeclampsia. If you develop high blood pressure during pregnancy, it is called gestational hypertension. This condition can go away after you give birth, but it can also make you more at risk for developing chronic high blood pressure, or hypertension.”

Conditions, behaviors, and factors that increase the risk of high blood pressure include diabetes, an unhealthy diet (especially high sodium/ low potassium), physical inactivity, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, tobacco use, genetics and family history, age, sex, and race or ethnicity. “Patients who are at risk for developing preeclampsia may be instructed to take a low dose of aspirin during pregnancy. Studies have shown that this is not harmful to the patient or baby, and can reduce the risks of severe complications.”

Understanding the risks is crucial

Dr. Lecresha Yvette Sewell, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, SANE,

for women so they can talk with their doctors and take preventive measures. It could save a life - or two! “We want everyone to have a healthy pregnancy. High blood pressure can continue after a pregnancy, and cause long-lasting effects on your health. Taking a low dose of aspirin if your provider recommends it can save your life and the life of your baby, as well as prevent permanent changes to your health.”

The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has concluded with moderate certainty “a substantial net benefi t of daily low-dose aspirin use to reduce the risk of preeclampsia, preterm birth, SGA, IUGR, and perinatal mortality in pregnant persons at high risk of preeclampsia.” According to Dr. Sewell, “We also know that problems in pregnancy tied to high blood pressure, heart issues, and blood clots are tied to more pregnancy-related deaths in black women compared to white women. Our goal is to reduce the risks so that everyone, no matter their color or where they live, can have a healthy pregnancy.”

For more information, visit nortonhealthcare.com. Follow @NortonHealthcare on Facebook, @nortonhealth on Instagram, and @Norton_Health on Twitter.

Our goal is to reduce the risks so that everyone, no matter their color or where they live, can have a healthy pregnancy.