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Australian Prescriber Vol. 35 No. 2 2012

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

High blood pressure during pregnancy can have serious effects on women and their unborn babies. Some women have high blood pressure before pregnancy, while others develop it during pregnancy. High blood pressure can also be part of a medical condition called pre-eclampsia.

Good antenatal care is important for pregnant women with high blood pressure. This allows problems to be detected early.

Medicines to lower blood pressure may be needed. As some medicines get into breast milk it is helpful to use a medicine which is relatively safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding.