Gestational Hypertension | Cheat Sheet

University:
Western Sydney University
Course:
MEDI 2003 | Clinical Sciences 2
Academic year:

2024
Views:

170

Pages:

4
Author:

Mariam A. A.

Gestational Hypertension History Hi, what brings you here today? Since when has your blood pressure been high? Have you had anything like this before? Can you think of anything that might have caused it? Does anything make it better or worse? Do you get any symptoms from it? Associated features: Pain Visual changes Headache Any changes to limb tone? Any changes to movements or abnormal sensation? Urine Changes? More frothy and cloudy? Changes to bowel habits? Do you have a cough or anything similar? Any changes to fetal movements? Are there any other symptoms? Pregnancy history What pregnancy number is this? Have you attended all visits and scans? Where any abnormalities found? Any complications in this pregnancy? Was it spontaneous or induced? Previous pregnancies, abortions and miscarriages? Menstrual cycle history Medications Contraceptives Medical history Family history Diagnosis Explanation Based on your results it seems that you have gestational hypertension This is when you previously did not have a high blood pressure, but after 20 weeks of pregnancy you develop high blood pressure In gestational hypertension it is only your blood pressure that is abnormal, however, if later on you get protein in your urine, edema, liver pain etc. this becomes what we call pre-eclampsia. Pre-eclampsia increases your risk of eclampsia which is when in addition to what I have spoken to about plus seizures. Important warning signs that I need you to watch out for and come to ED are visual changes, headaches, increase in limb tone (like your limbs become more rigid). There is also an increased risk of what we call HELLP syndrome -> which is haemolysis (rupture of blood cells -> anaemia), low platelets (bruise) and liver damage. If you notice any of these features also, please come. This is actually the most common complication in pregnancy It usually resolves and returns to normal within three months of delivery Initial Management But don’t worry there are some things we can do to manage your condition. This includes giving you oral labetalol to manage your blood pressure Giving you aspirin at a low dose (at 75 to 150 mg) as prophylaxis to prevent seizures Fortnightly bloods and ultrasound to assess your health and your baby’s health