High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy Care in Manhattan Beach
High blood pressure affects a meaningful number of pregnancies and ranges from mild gestational hypertension to preeclampsia, a serious condition that needs close attention. At Cove Midwifery and Women's Health in Manhattan Beach, CA , we check your blood pressure at every visit, watch for early warning signs, and bring in our in-practice Board-Certified OB/GYNs immediately when your care calls for it, so you are never left waiting for answers.
Types of High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy
- Chronic hypertension: High blood pressure that existed before pregnancy or is diagnosed before 20 weeks.
- Gestational hypertension: High blood pressure that develops after 20 weeks without signs of organ involvement.
- Preeclampsia: High blood pressure after 20 weeks along with signs such as protein in the urine or changes in liver, kidney, or blood platelet function. It can also appear in the days and weeks after birth, which is called postpartum preeclampsia.
Who Is at Higher Risk?
Risk factors include a first pregnancy, carrying twins or multiples, chronic hypertension, diabetes or gestational diabetes, kidney disease, a personal or family history of preeclampsia, IVF conception, and being over age 35. If you have risk factors, we may recommend low-dose aspirin starting in early pregnancy, a step that has been shown to reduce preeclampsia risk for many women. Talking through your history at a preconception visit or early in prenatal care gives us the best chance to plan ahead.
Warning Signs to Know
Call us right away or seek emergency care if you notice:
- A severe headache that does not go away with rest or acetaminophen
- Vision changes such as blurriness, spots, or light sensitivity
- Pain in the upper right abdomen or under the ribs
- Sudden swelling of the face or hands
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting in the second half of pregnancy
How We Monitor and Manage Blood Pressure
Every prenatal visit at Cove includes a blood pressure check and a conversation about how you are feeling. If your readings rise, we may order lab work, urine testing, and additional fetal monitoring, and we may ask you to track your blood pressure at home. Because three Board-Certified OB/GYNs are integrated into our practice, physician co-management begins immediately when it is needed, and your midwife stays part of your care. Depending on your situation, blood pressure medication, more frequent visits, or an earlier delivery may be recommended to protect you and your baby. Learn more about our collaborative care model and care team.
Birth and Recovery
Many women with mild gestational hypertension still have the birth experience they hope for. We will discuss timing and monitoring as part of labor and delivery planning, and our childbirth education classes help you understand your options. Because preeclampsia can develop after delivery, blood pressure checks continue during postpartum care. A history of preeclampsia also raises long-term heart health risk, so we continue monitoring through well-woman gynecology. Browse all conditions we treat.
High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy FAQs
What blood pressure is considered high during pregnancy?
A reading of 140/90 or higher on two occasions is generally considered high blood pressure in pregnancy. Your care team will interpret your readings in context.
What is preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy condition involving high blood pressure after 20 weeks plus signs of organ stress, such as protein in the urine. It requires close monitoring and physician involvement.
Can I still have midwifery care with high blood pressure?
Yes. At Cove, your midwife continues caring for you while our in-practice OB/GYNs co-manage your blood pressure.
Does low-dose aspirin help prevent preeclampsia?
For women with certain risk factors, low-dose aspirin started in early pregnancy can lower the risk of preeclampsia. Only take it if your provider recommends it.
Can preeclampsia happen after birth?
Yes. Postpartum preeclampsia can occur days to weeks after delivery, which is why we continue blood pressure monitoring during postpartum care.
Should I check my blood pressure at home?
If your readings are elevated or you have risk factors, we may ask you to track blood pressure at home and share results with your midwife.
When should I seek emergency care?
Seek care right away for a severe headache, vision changes, upper abdominal pain, sudden swelling, or shortness of breath. Call (844) 808-COVE for guidance.
Attentive Care for Healthy Blood Pressure
Careful monitoring and quick collaboration keep you and your baby safe. Call Cove Midwifery and Women's Health at (844) 808-COVE or request an appointment to begin prenatal care in Manhattan Beach.