Hypertensive (High Blood Pressure) and Renal Conditions in Pregnancy

Learn more about pregnancy care for patients with hypertensive conditions.

Overview

High blood pressure can lead to complications during pregnancy. If you have a hypertensive condition, it is important that you receive specialized care.

In some cases, hypertension can be effectively managed by a midwife or obstetrician. In complex cases, patients will see a maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialist in our clinic.

Some patients have high blood pressure related to other conditions like renal (kidney) disease. Renal disorders can also have other symptoms.

Our MFM specialists are high-risk obstetricians (OBs) who provide comprehensive pregnancy care for patients with hypertension, renal disease and other health conditions including the following:

A history of pre-eclampsia in a previous pregnancy
Essential (chronic) hypertension with complications such as kidney disease or heart disease
Secondary hypertension caused by medical conditions such as renal (kidney) disease, primary aldosteronism, Cushing's syndrome, pheochromocytoma and others
Renal vascular disorders
Chronic kidney disease
Renal transplant
Renal conditions requiring dialysis
And many others

If you are not currently pregnant, we encourage you to speak with your family physician or specialist before planning a pregnancy.

Our care

Learn more about the specialized care provided at Mount Sinai Hospital for Medical Disorders of Pregnancy.

This content is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used or relied upon for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. It does not replace the need for consultation with a health-care professional. Please speak with your health-care professional for questions about your health.

Your pregnancy care

It is important to us that you actively participate in decision-making about your care. Our MFM specialists will help you understand your treatment options so that you can make the best possible decisions for both you and your baby.

We work closely with other experts in pregnancy care. You will have prenatal appointments at the Medical Disorders of Pregnancy Clinic. You may also have appointments at the OB Medicine Clinic or with other specialists such as a nephrologist.

Treatment

Care plans will focus on managing your blood pressure and monitoring the health of both you and your baby.

Our MFM specialist will work with you to decide on a care plan that is specific to your needs. Your care plan may include any of the following:

Monitoring of your blood pressure
Low-dose aspirin (starting between 12 to 16 weeks of pregnancy) to decrease the risk of preeclampsia
Starting antihypertensive medication
Adjusting antihypertensive medication so it is both safe and effective during pregnancy
Blood and urine tests to monitor your platelets, kidney and liver function
Ultrasounds, ECHO/ECGs or further bloodwork to understand the cause of hypertension, if needed
Placenta scans and blood tests, such as Placental Growth Factor, to monitor the health of the placenta and assist in predicting the risk of developing pre-eclampsia
Growth scans to monitor fetal growth and well-being
Referrals to other specialists, as needed
Planning for delivery

Labour and delivery

Our recommendations for your labour and delivery care may include any of the following:

Meeting with our Obstetrical Anesthesia team
Scheduling an induction of labour or Caesarean section, as needed
Monitoring and treating your blood pressure throughout labour and delivery
Monitoring the health of your baby during labour and after birth, if needed
Adjusting your medication following delivery, as needed
Making a plan for your postpartum care and follow-up

It is important to follow up with your primary care provider or specialist to continue to monitor your blood pressure in the first few months postpartum.