High blood pressure during pregnancy can put both the mother and baby at risk, if not detected and properly managed.

Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is high blood pressure that develops during pregnancy, usually after the first half of pregnancy. It can also progress to more severe hypertensive disorders, including pre-eclampsia.

A 2024 study, titled: “Prevalence and determinants of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in Nigeria: a multi-centre study,” involving 71,758 women across 54 referral-level health facilities in Nigeria found that 6.4 per cent had hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Gestational hypertension accounted for 49.8 per cent of the cases, while pre-eclampsia and eclampsia accounted for 9.5 per cent and seven per cent respectively.

Speaking with PT Health Watch, Lewis Aituma, a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, said pregnancy-induced hypertension is a major contributor to poor pregnancy outcomes for both mother and child.

Causes of PIH

Mr Aituma said there is no known single cause of the condition, but several factors can increase a woman’s risk.

He listed previous PIH, first pregnancy, advanced maternal age, diabetes, kidney disease, a long interval between pregnancies, family history of hypertension, multiple pregnancy and obesity among the risk factors.

The Nigerian study also found that women above 35 years, women who had never given birth, women with several previous births and those with a previous caesarean section or miscarriage had increased odds of developing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Watch out for warning signs

Mr Aituma advised pregnant women to have their blood pressure checked routinely and watch for rising values.

He said women should also report persistent headaches, blurred vision, a feeling of abnormal heartbeat, chest pain and rapidly increasing swelling of the legs.

“Such symptoms should warrant an emergency presentation to the Obstetrician for expert evaluation and management,” he said.

However, some women with pregnancy-related hypertension may have no obvious symptoms, making regular antenatal checks important.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends monitoring blood pressure during pregnancy because early detection and treatment of hypertensive disorders can help prevent serious complications.

How it affects mother, baby

When PIH is not identified and properly managed, Mr Aituma said it can progress to pre-eclampsia and cause serious complications for the mother, including eclampsia, seizures, stroke and kidney failure.

For the baby, he said it can increase the risk of premature birth, poor fetal growth, fetal death and premature separation of the placenta.

The Nigerian study found that 11.9 per cent of pregnancies affected by hypertensive disorders ended in stillbirth, while 3.7 per cent of women with the disorders died.

The researchers concluded that hypertensive disorders of pregnancy remain an important health concern in Nigeria.

WHO also identifies preterm birth, restricted fetal growth, placental abruption and maternal or fetal death among possible complications of severe hypertensive disorders in pregnancy.

Managing the condition

Mr Aituma said treatment depends on the severity of the condition and how far the pregnancy has progressed.

“For less severe forms, effort will be geared to blood pressure control and prevention of complications till the pregnancy is delivered,” he said.

He explained that where the pregnancy is still early, doctors may try to safely prolong it, while at later gestational ages, “the emphasis is to conduct a delivery.”

For severe cases, the priority is to control the woman’s blood pressure, prevent seizures and deliver the baby when necessary.

WHO also recommends close monitoring, blood pressure treatment and timely delivery where required, depending on the severity of the condition and gestational age.

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Reducing the risk

Mr Aituma said maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, making appropriate lifestyle changes and attending regular antenatal appointments can help reduce the risk of complications.

He also advised pregnant women to monitor their blood pressure regularly and report any concerning symptoms promptly.

“Overall, prognosis is good in early diseases. Women should watch out for common symptoms in pregnancy and report the same promptly to their Obstetrician for action, Mr Aituma noted.

Kwara United Football Club Chairman, Kumbi Titiloye, has reiterated the club’s commitment to transparency, accountability and an open-door management policy while clarifying issues surrounding the whereabouts and status of midfielder Akanni Akeem.

Sports247 reports that Titiloye, who was reacting to concerns raised by stakeholders regarding the player, said the club takes discussions within its supporters’ group with “all the attendant seriousness required” and remains willing to provide clarification on matters concerning the team.

He urged supporters and other stakeholders seeking specific information to channel their enquiries through the club’s media team for accurate and timely clarification.

The chairman described Kwara United as one of the most open and transparent clubs in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), stressing that the management has nothing to hide regarding its operations.

Addressing the documentation surrounding players’ contracts, Titiloye explained that every contract is processed with copies made available to the relevant stakeholders and football authorities.

“All contracts of players always have four copies — NPFL, the club, the player and the NFF. No club can play the league without these documents, amongst other documents,” he stated.

On the specific case of Akanni Akeem, Titiloye clarified that the player was loaned to Kwara United, with a provision included in the agreement to protect the player’s interests should an opportunity arise for him to secure a move abroad.

“Akanni Akeem was loaned to Kwara United, and his agents specifically noted that if an opportunity arises for him to move abroad, Kwara United must release him,” he explained.

Titiloye also dismissed suggestions that the authority or influence of members of staff within the club had been restricted.

According to him, the management continues to provide an enabling environment for its officials to perform their respective responsibilities, while maintaining an accessible structure for communication with stakeholders.

The chairman’s clarification comes as Kwara United continues its campaign in the NPFL, with the club keen to maintain focus on sporting matters while addressing concerns surrounding its administration and player management.

Titiloye reaffirmed that the club remains committed to openness and accountability, urging supporters to rely on official channels for clarification on issues concerning the team.