High blood pressure may occur during pregnancy, a condition called pregnancy-induced hypertension or preeclampsia. This condition can harm the fetus and the pregnant woman, causing symptoms in the mother like headaches, shortness of breath, blurred vision, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, pain in the abdomen and easy bruising. Physicians may recommend an early delivery if possible, but if the pregnancy isn't developed enough, a pregnant woman with hypertension may need to rest and change her diet.
Eat Less Salt
A woman with preeclampsia should eat less salt to decrease hypertension levels. Sodium, a component of salt, regulates the balance of water in the body and holds water in the blood vessels. When too much water collects in the body, blood pressure rises, resulting in hypertension. Not salting food in the diet will decrease salt intake, but women with preeclampsia should also pay attention to the amount of sodium in processes and packaged foods, as many of these are high in added salt.
Eat More Calcium
Including more calcium in the diet may prove beneficial for hypertensive pregnant women. Several scientific studies link low calcium levels with the incidence preeclampsia, but more research is needed. Pregnant women with hypertension can get more calcium by taking calcium supplements or eating more foods that contain calcium, like dairy products. Physicians recommend that all pregnant women eat plenty of calcium, even if they do not have high blood pressure, as calcium is needed for fetal bone development.
Take Vitamin C Supplements
Vitamin C, a vitamin not naturally manufactured in the body, may help with hypertension during a pregnancy. Some studies indicate vitamin C, accompanied with a vitamin E supplement, may help to prevent preeclampsia by controlling blood pressure. Hypertensive pregnant women may either take vitamin C supplements or eat more foods containing vitamin C, including oranges, grapefruit, raw and cooked leafy greens, tomatoes, cabbage, cauliflower, potatoes, winter squash and red and green peppers.
References
- American Pregnancy Association: Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH): Preeclampsia or Toxemia
- The Journal of Perinatal Education: Maternal Calcium Intake and Metabolism During Pregnancy and Lactation
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin C
- University of Illinois Extension: Salt: Too Much of a Good Thing
