International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Women who suffer from high blood pressure during pregnancy could face future complications in later pregnancies, according to new research.

Scientists from the Yale School of Medicine, in partnership with the University of Copenhagen, found that women who experienced high blood pressure or preeclampsia during their first pregnancy are more likely to suffer from chronic hypertension, diabetes and blood clots next time around.

The study of over 11 million women found that those with preeclampsia suffered increased "subsequent hypertension risks" with each further pregnancy.

Michael Paidas, associate professor in the department of obstetrics at Yale, said the only "reliable treatment for preeclampsia is delivery of the baby".

He added: "But while delivery may 'cure' preeclampsia in the moment, these mothers are at high risk of chronic hypertension, type two diabetes mellitus and blood clots for the rest of their lives."

Danish researcher Dr Lene Ringholm Nielsen recently told Reuters Health that an intensive control of high blood pressure is key for pregnant women with type one diabetes and kidney disease.