High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy: What to Know, When to Test, and How to Stay Safe

A pharmacist-informed guide to types of hypertension in pregnancy, warning signs, screening windows, and care basics—so you know what to watch for before and after birth.

By Due Date Prep • 5–6 min read

Jump to: What It Is • Types • Why It Matters • Warning Signs • When to Test • Care & Management • After Delivery • Sources

Blood pressure naturally shifts during pregnancy, but consistently high numbers deserve attention. The good news: with timely checks, clear warning-sign awareness, and a care plan from your provider, most people navigate pregnancy safely.

What is high blood pressure during pregnancy?

High blood pressure (hypertension) happens when the force of blood pushing against your artery walls is consistently higher than normal. In pregnancy, clinicians pay close attention because even symptom-free elevations can impact you and your baby.

Types of hypertension in pregnancy

• Chronic hypertension: High blood pressure present before pregnancy or before 20 weeks.
• Gestational hypertension: High blood pressure that develops after 20 weeks without other organ-involvement findings.
• Preeclampsia/eclampsia: High blood pressure after 20 weeks with signs that organs aren’t working normally (e.g., lab changes, severe symptoms). Eclampsia refers to seizures with preeclampsia.

Why it matters

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy can increase the risk of complications like preterm birth and problems with the placenta. Prompt diagnosis and management help protect both maternal health and fetal growth.

Know the urgent warning signs

Call your healthcare provider right away—or 911 for emergencies—if you have:

• Severe or persistent headache, vision changes, or swelling of face/hands
• Severe upper belly pain, shortness of breath, or chest pain
• Sudden weight gain, nausea/vomiting that won’t stop, or feeling “not right”

When will I be tested?

Blood pressure is checked at every prenatal visit. Because gestational hypertension and preeclampsia often appear around the 24th week, most people are screened between 24–28 weeks and earlier if risks are present. Your provider may recommend home blood pressure monitoring for added safety.

Care and management basics

• Regular prenatal care: Keep all visits and blood pressure checks.
• Lifestyle guidance: Follow your clinician’s recommendations for movement, nutrition, and stress support.
• Medications when indicated: Some antihypertensives are used in pregnancy; your team will choose options that balance benefits and safety.
• Fetal monitoring: Your care plan may include growth scans or non-stress testing depending on your situation.

After delivery: still important

High blood pressure can persist or newly appear after birth. Keep postpartum follow-ups, monitor symptoms, and seek urgent care if warning signs arise. Long-term, your provider may recommend periodic blood pressure and cardiovascular risk checks.

1. Educational content only and not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider.
2. *These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Source & Further Reading

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy. cdc.gov/high-blood-pressure/about/high-blood-pressure-during-pregnancy
• CDC. About High Blood Pressure. cdc.gov/high-blood-pressure/about
• CDC. Hear Her® — Urgent Maternal Warning Signs. cdc.gov/hearher/maternal-warning-signs