high blood pressure during pregnancy

Hypertension or high blood pressure can cause problems for both mother and her unborn baby. For pregnant women the problems can vary from headaches, stroke or even kidney damage. For the unborn baby it can mean decreased blood circulation to the placenta and this can result in lower baby birth weight or a condition know as IUGR (Intra Uterine Growth Retardation). Any mother to be who has high blood pressure before pregnancy must monitor their blood pressure during pregnancy. It is vital to discuss high blood pressure with your doctor even if you are only thinking about becoming pregnant.