Management of Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension

The management of pregnancy - induced hypertension (PIH)  using antihypertensive drug therapy remains contentious. Specific treatment for pregnancy-induced hypertension will be determined by your physician based on treatment for pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH).

These are several management of  pregnancy-induced hypertension :

• Bedrest (either at home or in the hospital may be recommended).
• Magnesium sulfate (or other antihypertensive medications for pregnancy-induced hypertension.
• Hospitalization (as specialized personnel and equipment may be necessary).
• Fetal monitoring (to check the health of the fetus when the mother has pregnancy-induced hypertension) may include:
• Fetal movement monitoring, keeping track of fetal kicks and movements. A change in the number or frequency may lead the fetus is under stress.
• Nonstress testing - a test that measures the fetal heart rate in response to the fetus' movements.
• Observation with ultrasound to observe the fetus.
• Doppler flow studies - type of ultrasound that uses sound waves to measure the flow of blood through a blood vessel.
• Check for laboratory testing of urine and blood (for changes that may signal worsening of Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension).
• Medications, called corticosteroids, that may help mature the lungs of the fetus (lung immaturity is a major problem of premature babies).
• Delivery, either by labor induction or Caesarean section. 

Post-partum pregnancy-induced hypertension is dangerous to the health of the mother since she may ignore or dismiss symptoms as simple post-delivery headaches and edema.

However, post-partum pregnancy-induced hypertension may occur up to six weeks following delivery even if symptoms were not present during the pregnancy.

Delivery of the baby (if treatments do not control  pregnancy-induced hypertension or if the fetus or mother is in danger). Cesarean delivery may be recommended, in some cases.