Hyderabad: Govt hospitals have observed a sharp rise in cases of high blood pressure among pregnant women. While such cases were relatively rare a few years ago, hospitals are now reporting over 40 new instances per week.Doctors warn that high blood pressure during pregnancy poses risks to both mother and child.Contributing factors include stress, hypertension,preeclampsia(high blood pressure accompanied by high protein levels in urine and swelling), sedentary lifestyle diseases such as obesity and diabetes, dehydration, and family history.An obstetrician and gynecologist from the Govt Maternity Hospital in Koti stated, “Almost every pregnant woman we see nowadays has high BP and sugar levels. These two conditions often go hand in hand, and it’s becoming routine, which is alarming.”One recent case involved a woman in her early 30s from Hyderabad, weighing approximately 140 kg, who was treated at a maternity government hospital. “She presented with high BP, obesity, and elevated sugar levels. Additionally, she had undergone two previous C-section surgeries, which further heightened her risk. We administered medications, and thankfully, both mother and baby were saved,” a doctor explained.Another gynecologist at Niloufer Hospital outlined the serious health risks associated with high BP in pregnancy, including cardiovascular complications, pulmonary edema (excess fluid in the lungs), placental abruption, severe seizures, and preterm delivery. “A baby may also experience restricted growth, and vital organs such as the kidneys can be affected,” the doctor added.Dr. Bana Rupa, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Apollo Hospitals, emphasized the importance of early screening, preferably in the first trimester, to assess the likelihood of eclampsia and preeclampsia — both chronic high BP conditions. “Even if a woman has a history of hypertension, we can manage it with specific medications,” she noted. Doctors also advise lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and pre-pregnancy counseling to mitigate risks.