Up to 1 in 10 women will develop high blood pressure as a result of pregnancy. This condition is known as pre-eclampsia. It usually does not show up until at least six months of pregnancy. Most women will exhibit pre-eclampsia at the end of their pregnancy. Women with pre-eclampsia can have blood pressure as higher than 170 /110mmHg, accompanied by headaches and flashes of light before the eyes. The high blood pressure is normally accompanied by protein in the urine. Researchers are unsure as to what causes pre-eclampsia. The following conditions, however, are precursors to high blood pressure during pregnancy:

• first pregnancy

• diabetes

• chronic kidney disease

• carrying twins or triplets