During pregnancy, your body changes rapidly and you may develop high blood pressure before giving birth. Though some women experience no symptoms, you may have severe headaches or vision problems if your blood pressure rises or you may develop a pain in the upper portion of your right abdomen or gain weight rapidly, according to the March of Dimes. See your doctor immediately if you develop any of these symptoms. High blood pressure during pregnancy may signal a serious underlying condition. You may use some natural remedies to lower blood pressure with your doctor's approval.
Slow Down
Although moderate exercise is acceptable during a healthy pregnancy, the March of Dimes reports that reducing your physical activity may help control high blood pressure. When your blood pressure rises, your blood vessels narrow. This reduces blood flow to your baby and puts him at risk for low birth weight or a premature birth. Get plenty of sleep at night and schedule a daytime nap, if possible, to help you relax.
Eat a Sensible Diet to Keep Weight Gain Reasonable
Your appetite may increase dramatically during pregnancy, but that's not a reason to eat everything in sight. Obesity increases your risk of high blood pressure.
Your doctor may recommend the dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) diet plan for eating during pregnancy. This eating plan, promoted by the Department of Health and Human Services, is a comprehensive diet designed to reduce blood pressure. This is a natural way to lower your blood pressure, but start it only on the advice of your doctor. Your doctor may modify the DASH plan to suit your needs.
Go easy on salt during your pregnancy and read the labels on packaged foods to reduce your sodium intake. Try adding sodium-free seasoning blends to your foods to increase their flavor. These blends are available in the grocery store in the spice aisle, next to the regular salt.
The DASH plan promotes eating fresh fruits and vegetables and cutting down on sweets and saturated fats. Grilled lean poultry and lean meats are in--fried foods are out. Consume low-fat or fat-free dairy products.
Don't Smoke or Drink
The Mayo Clinic advises pregnant women to quit smoking and to avoid alcohol and other drugs to reduce the risk of high blood pressure.
