High blood pressure during pregnancy can be a result of chronic hypertension present before conception or it may be a result of bodily changes during pregnancy. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, 6 to 8 percent of pregnant women develop high blood pressure that affects their pregnancies. Because high blood pressure can lead to preeclampsia, placental problems, premature birth and low birthweight babies, monitoring and managing blood pressure during pregnancy is vital to the health of both mother and baby.
Step 1
Use stress-reduction techniques. Stress can raise blood pressure, so anything that can help keep stress levels down is a good idea for pregnant women concerned about their blood pressure levels. Deep breathing exercises, prenatal yoga, self-hypnosis, prenatal massage and meditation are all ways that pregnant women can try and reduce stress.
Step 2
Eat a healthy diet, but don't practice extreme sodium reduction. While individuals with high blood pressure are often told to cut back drastically on sodium, this advice does not apply to pregnant women, explains FamilyDoctor.org. Because salt is necessary for keeping a proper balance of fluids during pregnancy, you should discuss with your doctor the appropriate amount of sodium to include in the diet.
Step 3
Participate in regular, appropriate exercise. If you were active before pregnancy, continuing exercise is a good idea as long as you avoid high-impact activities. Women who didn't exercise previously may want to start a low-impact activity such as walking to keep the heart healthy and improve blood pressure.
Step 4
Lie on your left side when resting or sleeping. This takes pressure off the heart and makes the blood easier to pump, improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure.
Step 5
Obtain regular prenatal care. Keeping all of your prenatal appointments can help your doctor react quickly to any changes in blood pressure that may require a stronger response.
Step 6
Go on bed rest during the last few weeks or months of pregnancy. Bed rest may be done at home or in the hospital and may allow a mother with extremely high blood pressure to lower it enough to prevent premature delivery, explains the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Step 7
Ask your doctor about blood pressure medication that is safe for use during pregnancy. Because high blood pressure can be dangerous to both mother and baby, sometimes medication is necessary. Generally, doctors avoid prescribing angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers and renin inhibitors to pregnant women, but other types may be acceptable.
Things You'll Need
- Healthy food
- Prescription for pregnancy-safe blood pressure medication
