Normally, your blood pressure goes up and down throughout your day.
But if it stays up, you have high blood pressure.
Most of the time, people who have high blood pressure before or during pregnancy have healthy babies.
And if the high blood pressure started during pregnancy, it usually goes away after the baby is born.
But sometimes a serious problem called preeclampsia can develop.
Preeclampsia is high blood pressure that affects the kidneys, liver, brain, and placenta.
Preeclampsia can be dangerous to you and to your baby.
Things that can put you at higher risk for preeclampsia include having a family history of it, having high blood pressure, or having preeclampsia in a past pregnancy, or being pregnant with more than one baby—such as with twins or triplets.
Along with those risks, getting severe preeclampsia is more common and more likely to cause death in people who are Black, American Indian, or Alaska Native.
There is no simple reason why.
Less access to good health care and differences in how patients are listened to and treated are part of it.
Other health, economic, and social issues, including racism, also increase the risk for these groups.
If you're a member of one of these groups, share your concerns and questions with your doctor or midwife and talk about what you both can do to avoid problems.
You may need to speak up in ways you've never had to before.
But this is about you and your baby.
You have a right to the care that keeps you and your baby safe.
Along with watching your blood pressure, your doctor or midwife may prescribe medicines to lower your blood pressure and prevent preeclampsia.
You may also have frequent fetal ultrasounds and other tests to be sure your baby is doing well.
So keep taking good care of yourself.
Get rest, eat healthy meals and snacks, and stay active.
And if you use tobacco, try to quit.
Quitting helps you feel better and helps prevent a lot of other problems during pregnancy.
Now remember, preeclampsia can be dangerous.
It can cause seizures and liver damage, and it may mean you need to deliver your baby early.
That's why it's critical to go to all your prenatal appointments and to watch for problems between visits.
Call your doctor or midwife if you have any signs of preeclampsia, such as sudden swelling of your face, hands, or feet, new vision problems, a severe headache, or intense belly pain.
It's worth repeating that if you're Black, American Indian, or Alaska Native, you may need to speak up when it comes to your questions or concerns.
And if you're uncomfortable doing this, bring a friend, a loved one, or your partner to support you during health care visits.
If you do have high blood pressure during pregnancy, you can still have a healthy baby.
And preeclampsia usually goes away after the baby is delivered.
But symptoms may last or get worse after delivery.
In rare cases, symptoms don't show up until days or even weeks after childbirth.
Learning about high blood pressure and preeclampsia while you're pregnant can be stressful.
But knowing what to expect can help.
Trust yourself and, even if you're unsure, you can always call your doctor or midwife.
