- By Bornika Das
- Thu, 22 May 2025 10:34 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is often labelled a "silent killer" due to its subtle yet serious effects on overall health. However, what’s less widely known is its growing impact on women’s reproductive health—especially during their prime childbearing years. As hypertension becomes increasingly common among younger women, its effects extend far beyond heart disease and stroke. From interfering with the ability to conceive naturally or through assisted reproductive technologies like IVF, to causing complications during pregnancy and childbirth, high blood pressure can quietly disrupt every stage of the reproductive journey.
High blood pressure is becoming a slow poison in the reproductive years of women. Beyond its well-known cardiovascular consequences, high blood pressure is now increasingly being understood for its impact on fertility, pregnancy, and maternal health. Far too often excluded from conversations about reproductive care, hypertension can quietly affect every stage of a woman's life-from being unable to conceive to having trouble during and after pregnancy. With this quiet disease growing more and more common among younger women, its effect on reproduction is more crucial than ever. In conversation with Jagran English, Dr. Kaberi Banerjee, Infertility & IVF Expert - Founder & Medical Director, Advance Fertility & Gynecology Centre, explains how high blood pressure is impacting women’s fertility and pregnancy.
Pregnancy at Risk: The Hidden Toll of Hypertension
The last few years have seen mounting clinical evidence to confirm that even mildly elevated blood pressure significantly decreases a woman's fertility. Preconception hypertension has been linked to lower rates of live birth following assisted reproductive therapy such as IVF. Dr. Kaberi Banerjee states, “The mechanisms are complex and multifactorial. Reduced ovarian blood supply can damage developing follicles, and activation of platelets and leukocytes can affect receptivity of the endometrium, thus making implantation vulnerable to failure.” Also, endocrine dysregulation may interfere with regular ovulation and menstrual cycles. Physiological consequences serve to underscore the need for peak blood pressure control several months prior to conception to enable reproductive success.
“Uncontrolled hypertension is not sufficient for pregnancy. Preeclampsia, or proteinuric hypertension, complicates about 8 per cent of pregnancies and leads to eclampsia, abruptio placentae, prematurity, and intrauterine growth restriction. Severe variants are life-threatening to both mother and baby and must be managed urgently,” adds Dr. Kaberi Banerjee.
Debunking Myths Around BP Medication
Despite risk definitions, few women will begin antihypertensive therapy because of concern for fetal or fertility loss. Dr. Kaberi Banerjee explains, “Drug withdrawal or omission, however, without the advice of a physician, is dangerous. Some antihypertensive agents are pregnancy safe, and physicians use cautious individualisation of treatment to achieve the best risk-benefit ratio between maternal and fetal health.”
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Understanding Hypertension And Fertility (Image Credits: Canva)
Healthy Habits For Fertility And Pregnancy Journey
Lifestyle change in the dietary form is characteristic of blood pressure regulation, especially in pregnancy and preconception. Regular follow-up on a heart-healthy diet, such as the DASH diet, is effective in reducing blood pressure. Sodium restriction with high potassium-rich vegetables such as leafy vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and low-fat protein is important. Dr. Kaberi Banerjee says, “The patient should also exercise regularly; mild regular exercise such as walking, prenatal yoga, swimming, or Pilates not only regulates blood pressure but also keeps the body fit.” The patient should also give up alcohol and tobacco products that raise blood pressure and are detrimental to reproductive and fetal health. In order to lower blood pressure and stress hormones, it is necessary to reduce stress and implement mindfulness practices like journaling, meditation, or therapy. All these lifestyle modifications are a strong non-surgical first line of defence for a healthy pregnancy outcome.
Preventive Measures
Pregnancy-induced hypertensive disease is a risk factor for future cardiovascular disease, including chronic hypertension, stroke, and cardiac disease in women. Long-term follow-up during and after pregnancy will enable early identification and intervention.
Care, medication, and a checkup once in a while are a fine start for fertile motherhood as much as for healthy motherhood. Now, blood pressure can be ignored because it's a wise decision for a fitter, happier tomorrow for the mother as much as for the child.
