Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), also called toxemia or preeclampsia, is a condition characterized by high blood pressure, persistent swelling and high levels of protein in the urine, explains FamilyDoctor.org. PIH is more likely to occur in a woman's first pregnancy, in families with a history of preeclampsia, in pregnancies consisting of more than one baby, in teenage pregnancies and in women who are over the age of 40. Routine screenings are carried out in most prenatal appointments to catch PIH early if it exists. Treatment of PIH is rather complicated and depends on the state of the pregnancy, infant and mother.
Delivery
Delivering a baby is one of the best ways to minimize the health risks to the mother and the baby when PIH has been discovered. If delivering a baby at this point in the pregnancy would be too risky, such as the case when the pregnancy has not progressed further than 32 weeks, other treatment options will be explored first. To deliver a baby early to avoid PIH complications a doctor will often perform a cesarean section. You may be able to have a medical induction to deliver your baby vaginally. This is done by using special drugs that can trigger natural labor, such as softening the cervix or causing contractions.
Diet
Reducing salt intake is one way to attempt to manage PIH until the baby arrives or a cesarean can be attempted. Some salt is necessary, but your doctor can advise you on how much should be eaten every day. Avoiding other unhealthy food choices, such as fatty and fried foods, can help reduce the risk of developing PIH. Increasing water intake to at least eight glasses per day is also helpful in managing blood pressure.
Sleeping Position
When resting, stay on your left side to take the weight of the infant off the major blood vessels in the circulatory system, says the American Pregnancy Association. Most of the major organs are on the right side of the body. Allowing the baby to rest on them while lying on your right side can constrict certain blood vessels, making the blood pressure even higher.
Observation
Your doctor may schedule more frequent prenatal appointments with you to watch your progress closely. If PIH becomes more severe and delivery is still impossible, you may be prescribed blood pressure medication. You may also be prescribed complete or partial bedrest until the baby is delivered, says the University of Virginia Health System. This bedrest may be carried out at home or in a hospital, depending on the risks to the baby and the mother. Hospitalization will allow the mother and the baby to have monitors attached to them so all vital statistics can be monitored closely. Magnesium sulfate or other blood pressure medications may be administered intravenously if the situation becomes serious.
