By: Jennifer Nerkie Kenney
The Principal Midwifery Officer at Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Felicia Martey Dodoo, has warned that hypertension during pregnancy remains a major but often overlooked health risk, urging expectant mothers to monitor their blood pressure closely before and after delivery.
Speaking on the GTV Breakfast Show on Wednesday April 15, 2026 she explained that blood pressure changes are common throughout pregnancy, but abnormal levels can lead to serious complications for both mother and baby if not detected early.
“Hypertension in pregnancy can be silent but deadly,” she said.
Ms. Martey Dodoo noted that during the first trimester, hormonal changes cause blood vessels to relax, leading to a slight drop in blood pressure, which may result in symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, and blurred vision. She added that blood pressure typically stabilises in the second trimester before returning to pre-pregnancy levels in the third trimester.
She, however, cautioned that some women may already have high blood pressure before pregnancy, a condition known as chronic hypertension, while others may develop it during pregnancy, referred to as pregnancy-induced hypertension.
“Some women don’t even know they have high blood pressure until they get pregnant and are checked at the hospital,” she said.
She further stressed that many women wrongly assume that delivery resolves blood pressure issues, warning that complications can persist even after childbirth. According to her, postnatal care is critical, as some mothers develop high blood pressure after delivery.
She advised that new mothers should check their blood pressure within 48 hours after delivery, again within seven days, and continue monitoring up to six weeks postpartum to avoid life-threatening complications.
“Don’t think that after delivery everything is fine. It is very dangerous and deadly if not monitored,” she added.
Ms. Martey Dodoo identified symptoms such as persistent headaches, blurred vision, swelling of the face and limbs, and epigastric pain as warning signs that should not be ignored during pregnancy.
She explained that many pregnant women dismiss these symptoms as normal pregnancy discomforts, which often delays timely medical intervention and increases health risks.
“These are not just normal pregnancy symptoms; they could be signs of high blood pressure,” she said.
On preventive measures, she urged pregnant women to begin antenatal care early, attend all scheduled appointments, and avoid self-medication, including herbal remedies.
She also encouraged light physical activity such as walking and stretching, noting that even women with difficult pregnancies should engage in safe, modified exercises unless advised otherwise by health professionals.
“Come to the antenatal clinic early, honour your appointments, and do not ignore any warning signs,” she said.
Ms. Martey Dodoo further highlighted the importance of support systems, recommending that pregnant women attend clinic visits with a trusted relative who can assist in decision-making during emergencies.
She noted that delays in seeking care or refusing hospital admission often lead to severe complications, including loss of life for both mother and child.
“We have seen cases where women go home and are rushed back in critical condition because they delayed treatment,” she said.
