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How to Manage High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy
High blood pressure, medically known as hypertension, means the force of the blood that pushes against the walls of your arteries is too high. Blood pressure readings of 140/90 mm Hg are considered too high.
High blood pressure and pregnancy aren’t necessarily a dangerous combination. But having hypertension during pregnancy requires special care, irrespective of whether you are diagnosed with this problem before or after conception.
While hypertension can affect anyone, pregnant women are at an increased risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an increasing number of pregnant women in the United States suffer from hypertension.
In fact, according to the American Pregnancy Association, high blood pressure affects about 6 to 8 per cent of pregnant women.
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Get A Second OpinionDuring pregnancy, women can suffer from different types of high blood pressure, such as:
- Gestational hypertension can develop after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
- Chronic hypertension may have been present before pregnancy or may occur before 20 weeks of pregnancy.
- Chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia happens in women with chronic high blood pressure before pregnancy.
- Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication marked by high blood pressure and organ damage signs.
- High blood pressure in pregnancy strains the heart and kidneys, raising the risk of heart and kidney diseases and strokes.
- Additional risks include fetal growth restriction, preterm delivery, placental abruption, and cesarean delivery.
- When suffering from hypertension during pregnancy, it is important to monitor your blood pressure level closely throughout the pregnancy. Managing your blood pressure can help you have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
- At the same time, ultrasound exams should be done frequently to track the growth of the baby in the womb.
Here are the top ways to lower your high blood pressure during pregnancy:
Avoid Salt and High-Sodium Foods:
Generally, when people with high blood pressure cut back on salt, their blood pressure falls. It even prevents blood pressure from rising.
During pregnancy, you must check your salt intake to keep your blood pressure under control.
- Skip adding salt while cooking.
- Use herbs instead for flavor.
- Avoid processed and canned foods.
Deep Breathing:
Deep breathing is a popular relaxation technique that helps lower your stress levels and stabilize your blood pressure.
- Lie down comfortably.
- Breathe in slowly through the nose.
- Breathe out slowly through your mouth.
- Repeat for 10 mins, 2-3 times daily.
Enjoy Walking and Get Moving:
Inactive women are at a higher risk of hypertension during pregnancy than those who exercise. Walking is one of the best cardiovascular exercises for pregnant women.
Hypertensive pregnant women can lower their blood pressure by enjoying a brisk walk of 30 to 45 minutes on a daily basis. It is a safe activity to continue throughout all nine months of the pregnancy.
- Aim for 30 mins of daily exercise.
- Start with easy activities.
- Check with your doctor first.
Eat Potassium-rich Foods:
Potassium-rich foods should be a part of your hypertension management diet. Foods you should add include
- Have bananas and sweet potatoes.
- Keep potassium intake moderate.
Listen to Music:
Listening to the right type of music for at least 30 minutes, 2 or 3 times a day, can lower your blood pressure.
- Listen to calming music.
- Helps reduce stress.
Manage Weight:
Being overweight is a risk factor for hypertension, and thus, you need to take caution to keep your pregnancy weight gain within healthy limits. A proper diet and regular exercise are ways to manage your weight gain during pregnancy.
- Keep a healthy weight gain.
- Eat balanced meals, and stay active.
Additional Tips:
- Attend regular check-ups.
- Take prescribed meds.
- Consider aspirin if at risk.
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine.
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Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
High blood pressure during pregnancy can lead to complications for both the mother and baby. It may increase the risk of preeclampsia, premature birth, low birth weight, and other health issues.
If your blood pressure is over 140/90 mmHg during pregnancy, you should go to the hospital. Your provider may prescribe medication to control it and ensure your health and safety.
Symptoms of high blood pressure during pregnancy may include headaches, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, and swelling in the hands and face. If you experience any of these, contact your healthcare provider.
To quickly lower blood pressure, you can try deep breathing, relaxation techniques, reducing salt intake, staying hydrated, and engaging in physical activity like walking. Always consult a doctor for personalized advice.
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