Nutrition for Special Groups

Nutrition for Special Groups 3(3+0)

Lesson 13 : Pregnancy in Older Women

Hypertension in Pregnancy

Hypertension complicates pregnancy and affects its outcome in different ways depending on when it develops and how severe it is.

• If hypertension is a pre existing condition and is under control, then pregnancy is uncomplicated if not under control, it could lead to problems like low birth weight of infant and still birth.
• If hypertension is a transient condition which develops during second half of pregnancy and is mild- it does not cause adverse affects and becomes normal after delivery.
• Preeclampsia – Hypertension may be due to preeclampsia. Hypertension, loss of protein in urine and edema. This affects all the mothers organs and blood flow to placenta diminishes. This causes fetal growth retardation and also still birth. It can progress to eclampsia and lead to maternal death. This condition requires prompt medical care and nutritional support.