Sudden Rise in Blood Pressure in the Last Weeks of Pregnancy: What You Should Know

You’re nearing the end of your pregnancy — your bags might be packed, and excitement is in the air. But then, during a routine check-up, your doctor mentions your blood pressure is higher than normal.

It’s natural to worry.
A sudden rise in BP (blood pressure) in the last few weeks of pregnancy can happen — and while it’s common, it’s also something your doctor will want to keep an eye on closely.

Why Blood Pressure Can Rise Late in Pregnancy

During pregnancy, your body goes through major circulatory changes — your blood volume increases, your heart works harder, and your body retains more fluid.

In the final trimester, a few factors can cause a temporary or sustained rise in BP, such as:

• Physical and emotional stress
• Water retention and swelling
• Changes in hormones and blood flow
• Underlying conditions like gestational hypertension or preeclampsia

For some women, blood pressure remains stable until the last few weeks, when it begins to rise suddenly — and that’s why regular prenatal checkups are so crucial at this stage.

What It Feels Like

Sometimes, high blood pressure doesn’t cause obvious symptoms — which is why it’s often caught during check-ups.
However, you may notice:

• Persistent headache or heaviness in the head
• Blurred vision or spots in front of the eyes
• Swelling in the hands, face, or around the eyes
• Sudden weight gain over a few days
• Feeling unusually tired, restless, or breathless

If you experience any of these, it’s best to contact your doctor right away.

When Doctors Become Concerned

If your BP crosses 140/90 mmHg or rises suddenly compared to your earlier readings, your doctor will monitor you for:

Gestational hypertension (high BP developing after 20 weeks of pregnancy)

Preeclampsia, which is high BP along with protein in urine or other symptoms like swelling or headache

These conditions can usually be managed safely with monitoring, rest, diet adjustments, and sometimes medication — but they do require attention to protect both you and your baby.

How Long Does It Last?

For most women, blood pressure returns to normal after delivery — especially if it’s gestational and not a chronic condition.
Your doctor may monitor your BP for a few weeks postpartum to ensure it stabilizes completely.

What You Can Do

• Attend all prenatal checkups: Even if you feel fine — BP changes can be silent.
• Rest often: Lying on your left side helps improve blood flow and reduce pressure.
• Stay hydrated and eat balanced meals: Limit salt intake and processed foods.
• Avoid stress and overexertion: Short walks, deep breathing, and calm routines help.
• Track your BP at home if advised: Keeping a simple record can be helpful for your doctor.

A sudden rise in blood pressure toward the end of pregnancy isn’t unusual — but it’s one of those signs that needs careful monitoring, not panic. If you notice any symptoms like headache, swelling, or blurred vision, reach out right away.