Updated June 09, 2015.

Pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) is a high blood pressure disorder of pregnancy. It has long been one of the major problems for mothers in pregnancy, along with infection an hemorrhage. It affects 7% of first time mothers.

There are three different levels of PIH:

1. High Blood Pressure alone
2. High Blood Pressure and protein in urine and/or swelling
3. High Blood Pressure, protein in urine, swelling and convulsions

PIH can be defected early during regular prenatal visits, which is one of the reasons they are so very important. If you have PIH and it is untreated you may wind up with a preterm baby, a stillborn baby or a baby who has growth retardation (IUGR), not to mention the effects on your health.
There are still different opinions on the causes of PIH. There are speculations of placental involvement, stress, underlying disease, etc.

If you experience any of the following warning signs, report them to your practitioner:

• Rapid weight gain, 4 - 5 lbs in a single week
• Sudden swelling
• Swelling of your face or hands
• Swelling of your ankles or feet that does not go away after 12 hours of rest
• A rise in your blood pressure
• Protein in your urine
• Severe headaches
• Blurry vision
• Seeing spots in your eyes
• Severe pain over your stomach, under your ribs
• Decrease in the amount of urine

There are treatment options and prevention techniques. Some are dietary , while others involve exercise and rest. Recently it has been shown that aspirin doesn't help in the treatment for PIH.

While other studies show that calcium does help reduce problems associated with PIH. Even the use of herbs and water immersion has been shown helpful in some cases.