In around 1 in 10 pregnancies, the mother develops high blood pressure. It is important to understand the tips to deal with high blood pressure during pregnancy. High blood pressure along with protein in urine and fluid retention during the second half of pregnancy can trigger a pregnancy complication called preeclampsia. Research suggests that preeclampsia is linked with poor placental size and function, and with the lowered activity of some placental enzymes.
If left untreated, it can seriously affect the development of the baby and, in some cases, may progress to eclampsia, a potentially life-threatening condition in which fits may also occur. If you develop high blood pressure during pregnancy, it is important to follow any advice and treatment suggested by your doctor and obstetrician.
In This Article
- What Causes High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy?
- How To Prevent Hypertension During Pregnancy?
- 11 Tips to Reduce High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy
- FAQ’s
What Causes High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy high blood pressure is defined as blood pressure higher than 140/90 mm Hg. This can result in severe health problems in the mother and the baby if it continues beyond 20 weeks of pregnancy. Some probable causes of high blood pressure during pregnancy are:
- Being overweight or obese at the time of conception
- Lifestyle issues such as smoking or intake of alcohol
- A sedentary lifestyle with no exercise
- Multiple pregnancies
- Maternal age above 40 years at the time of pregnancy
- First pregnancy or an assisted technique pregnancy
- Family history of preeclampsia, or chronic hypertension
Women who have had a pre-existing high blood pressure are more at risk of developing hypertension during pregnancy. High blood pressure can cause some serious complications during pregnancy and delivery, the most prominent being preeclampsia. Preeclampsia can cause low fetal weight, complications in delivery, preterm birth, placental abruption and a higher risk of c-sections. In its worst state, it may take the shape of eclampsia which can cause fits and can be potentially fatal.
How Can I Prevent Hypertension During Pregnancy?
Hereditary and age-related factors cannot be controlled, but there are some ways to keep hypertension at bay during pregnancy. Find out the tips to deal with high blood pressure during pregnancy:
1. Maintaining a Healthy Weight
When you start your pregnancy at a healthy weight, you considerably reduce your chances of developing high blood pressure. Though you will gain weight in your pregnancy, chalk out a plan with your doctor who will weigh your height, weight, and lifestyle to give you weight gain targets. Stay in the limits
2. Getting Some Exercise
Light activities like walking and yoga can help you keep yourself physically active, thereby reducing your chances of getting hypertension during pregnancy
3. Keeping Up With Prenatal Visits
There is a reason that prenatal visits are scheduled the way they are. Make sure you never miss them
4. Ditching Smoking And Alcohol
Though your doctor may say that moderate consumption of alcohol is alright, we’d suggest that you completely ditch alcohol and smoking and kick off these bad habits
5. Kicking The Excess Salt
Excessive intake of salt can cause a spike in blood pressure levels. Limit your salt intake to just about 1500 mg, though 2400 mg is considered fine to consume. Also, remember to check the labels of the foods you eat- processed foods, fast food, and many drinks carry salt even though they do not taste salty
6. Reducing Stress Helps to Combat Pregnancy Hypertension
Stress, anxiety, and anxiousness can make your blood pressure shoot up. Learn relaxation techniques to keep stress at bay, such as meditation and breathing
11 Tips To Reduce High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy
Here are some tips to deal with high blood pressure during pregnancy:
1. Intake Garlic Powder
Taking garlic powder tablets during pregnancy seems to improve maternal blood circulation, stimulate the growth of the placenta and increase enzyme activity. Scientists are hoping that garlic extracts can be used to treat poor placental function and preeclampsia
2. Intake of Folic Acid Supplement
Folic acid supplements may help to protect against high blood pressure and preeclampsia during pregnancy as well as protecting against neural tube defects
3. High Calcium Diet
A high calcium diet may help to reduce the risk of high blood pressure and preeclampsia during pregnancy as well as reduce the risk of pregnancy-associated osteoporosis.
4. Intake of Antioxidants
Consider taking an antioxidant supplement containing vitamins C and E.
5. Stick to Low Salt Diet
Follow a low salt diet. Unfortunately, three-quarters of dietary salt is ‘hidden’ in processed foods such as canned products, ready-prepared meals, biscuits, cakes, and breakfast cereals. Cut back on salt intake by not adding salt during cooking or at the table, and by avoiding:
- Salty foods such as crisps, bacon, and salted nuts
- Tinned products canned in brine
- Cured, smoked, or pickled fish and meats
- Meat pastes and pates
- Ready-prepared meals
- Packet soups and sauces
- Stock cubes and yeast extracts
Salt is easily replaced with herbs, spices, lemon, or lime juice as it doesn’t take long to retrain your taste buds.
6. Follow Herbalism
Herbalism can be very helpful, but it is important to consult a herbalist for individually tailored advice. Garlic, for example, has a proven ability to lower a raised blood pressure.
Lime flower blossoms may be recommended where high blood pressure is linked with anxiety and stress, but drink no more than three cups of infusion or herb tea daily except under the advice of a qualified herbalist
7. Stay Physically Active
Take regular, gentle exercise. Aerobics and high-impact workouts are absolutely off the mark.
8. Try Aromatherapy/ Color therapy
Rosewood is effective in lowering high blood pressure during pregnancy. Use under the supervision of a qualified aromatherapist. Care needs to be taken if you are also taking drugs to lower blood pressure. Other aromatherapy essential oils that can help after the 16th week of pregnancy include geranium, lavender, and lemon. Blue or indigo can be used in color therapy to lower high blood pressure.
9. Try Floatation Therapy For Pregnancy Hypertension
Flotation therapy is a practice one can float in a special pod of Epsom saltwater. Floatation therapy is effectively found to lower high blood pressure and also helps you to relax
10. Practice Meditation/ Yoga
Meditation and Visualization are helpful and can be combined with flotation therapy. Yoga is excellent for relieving stress and reducing high blood pressure
11. Try the Alexander Technique for Pregnancy Hypertension
The Alexander technique helps a person discover a new balance in the body. It can be applied to sitting, lying down, standing, walking, lifting, and other daily activities It is a way of learning how to get rid of harmful tension in your body. The Alexander technique can help to relieve high blood pressure.
FAQ’s
1. Does High BP Affect Fetus?
The mother’s kidneys and other organs can be damaged by high blood pressure, and it can also lead to the delivery of a premature baby with a low birth weight. In the worst circumstances, the woman develops preeclampsia, which poses a danger to both her and the unborn child.
2. What Is The Normal BP Of A Pregnant Woman?
In pregnancy, a normal blood pressure reading is less than 120/80 mm Hg, the same as it is for persons who are not pregnant.
3. Can Lack of Sleep Cause High Blood Pressure?
As you sleep less, your risk of developing high blood pressure increases. Individuals who sleep for less than six hours every night may experience more dramatic rises in blood pressure.
