Hypertension in pregnancy appears as a new condition and consequence of pregnancy or as pre-existing
maternal hypertension. Elevated blood pressure is the one with values above 140/90mmHg, i.e. values
of systolic blood pressure 30mmHg above usual or 15mmHg above usual diastolic blood pressure.
Hypertensive therapy in pregnancy is slightly different from the one outside the pregnancy because the
most common hypertensive drugs may not be used during pregnancy due to harmful effect to the fetus
so, besides diet, central antihypertensive drugs are mainly used (Methyldopa, affecting the central
nervous system). Dosage and type of therapy may be crucial and require monitoring of not only blood
pressure but also a wider spectrum of the mother and the fetus. This way, also the complications caused
by inadequate and mal-dosed therapy are prevented.
