
In pregnancy, primary aldosteronism is rare and a diagnosis might be difficult due to physiological changes during pregnancy. Sometimes, but not always, primary aldosteronism causes low potassium levels. Your doctor may suspect it if you cannot get your blood pressure down to normal even when taking medicine as directed. Hypertension is the main problem associated with primary aldosteronism. Signs and Symptoms of Primary Aldosteronism A small, benign (noncancerous) aldosterone-producing tumor (an adenoma or aldosteronoma) in one adrenal gland that causes it to overproduce hormone.Overactivity in both adrenal glands for an unknown reason (idiopathic hyperplasia).The most frequent causes of primary aldosteronism are: Placental abruption (a complication of pregnancy that happens when the placenta detaches from the uterus before the baby is born).
Intrauterine growth restriction (when a baby does not grow as expected in the womb). Preterm birth (when a baby is born too early, before 37 weeks of pregnancy). Primary aldosteronism during pregnancy may be associated with some pregnancy-related complications such as: Sodium retention can cause your body to hold too much water, which increases blood pressure. Too much of it can lead to losing potassium and retaining sodium. Primary aldosteronism occurs when the adrenal glands produce too much of the hormone aldosterone, which mainly regulates sodium and potassium in your blood. He or she can advise you on breast-feeding (which is encouraged), and changing or discontinuing your blood pressure medications after delivery. If you are pregnant and dealing with high blood pressure due to any cause, consulting with your doctor before the baby is born is important. While some anti-hypertensive drugs should be avoided during pregnancy, others are safe to use. If you show signs of high blood pressure, the practitioner may recommend more blood and urine tests, and prescribe medications if necessary. Working with Your Health Care Practitioner to Manage Hypertensionĭuring pregnancy, your health care practitioner will measure and note changes in your body weight and blood pressure during every visit. A condition affecting the adrenal glands can result in: However, in less than 1% of pregnancies, hypertension can be caused by a hormonal problem. The most common hypertensive disorders during pregnancy are gestational hypertension, chronic hypertension (with or without preeclampsia) and preeclampsia. Types of Adrenal Disease During Pregnancy Endocrine Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) During PregnancyĪbout 8% of all people who are pregnant have high blood pressure (hypertension) during their pregnancy.