What is a potential risk of untreated high blood pressure during pregnancy?

Untreated high blood pressure during pregnancy poses several risks, with early delivery being a significant concern. When a pregnant individual experiences high blood pressure, it can lead to complications such as preeclampsia, which may necessitate an early delivery for the safety of both the mother and the fetus. Early delivery may be indicated if the health of the mother is at risk or if the baby's well-being is compromised due to the effects of high blood pressure.

The body responds to high blood pressure by trying to mitigate risks, often leading to an intervention where doctors decide that an early delivery is the best course of action. This is crucial because prolonged exposure to elevated blood pressure can adversely affect the placenta, which in turn can impact fetal growth and overall development.

In contrast, other potential consequences of untreated high blood pressure, such as decreased birth weight, can occur, but the immediate risk that often leads to intervention is the necessity of early delivery rather than simply resulting in lower birth rates. Increased fetal movement and lower uterine contractions are not typically direct consequences of untreated high blood pressure but rather would need to be assessed in the context of other symptoms and the overall health of the pregnancy.