Blood Pressure and Pregnancy

Why is high blood pressure a problem during pregnancy?
High blood pressure can decrease blood flow to the placenta, which affects your baby's supply of oxygen and nutrients. This may slow your baby's growth and increase the risk of preterm delivery. High blood pressure also increases the risk of placental abruption, in which the placenta prematurely separates from the uterus. Rarely, high blood pressure poses life-threatening complications.
Later risks may be a concern, too. High blood pressure during pregnancy may increase your risk of diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease later in life.