P00.0: Fetus and newborn affected by maternal hypertensive disorders

While in the womb, high blood pressure in the mother caused damage to health.

The heart pumps blood through the arteries to every part of the body. The pressure in the arteries must be enough for all the organs to get enough blood. On the other hand, if the blood pressure is too high, the heart, kidneys or other organs may get damaged. Under stress, our blood pressure naturally rises. During the night, our blood pressure usually falls.

A mother can suffer from high blood pressure for the first time during pregnancy. However, high blood pressure may also have existed before the pregnancy. If the mother's blood pressure is high, the child's health can be damaged.

The placenta forms in the mother’s womb during pregnancy. The placenta consists of cells from the mother and cells from the unborn child. The umbilical cord connects the child to the placenta.

If the mother has high blood pressure, the child may not get enough nutrients and oxygen from the placenta. The child may then not develop normally in the womb. The placenta may also become detached from the womb before the birth due to the mother's high blood pressure. This can endanger the child's nourishment.