High blood pressure during pregnancy, also known as gestational hypertension, is a serious condition that can lead to serious health problems for both the mother and the baby.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), about 10% of pregnancies are affected by high blood pressure. High blood pressure during pregnancy can increase the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and even death for the baby. It can also lead to serious health problems for the mother, such as:
- Preeclampsia, a condition that can cause seizures, stroke, and organ damage
- Eclampsia, a life-threatening condition that can occur if preeclampsia is not treated
- HELLP syndrome, a rare but serious condition that can cause liver and blood clotting problems
The good news is that there are things you can do to help prevent high blood pressure during pregnancy.
Here are 10 tips:
1. Get regular prenatal care
Prenatal care is important for monitoring your health and your baby’s health. Your doctor or midwife will check your blood pressure at each prenatal visit. If your blood pressure is high, your doctor or midwife will work with you to develop a plan to lower it.
2. Eat a healthy diet
Eating a healthy diet is important for overall health, including during pregnancy. A healthy diet for pregnancy includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It also includes lean protein and low-fat dairy products.
3. Get regular exercise
Regular exercise is another important part of a healthy pregnancy. Exercise can help to lower blood pressure, improve circulation, and reduce stress. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
4. Limit caffeine
Caffeine can raise blood pressure. Limit your caffeine intake to no more than 200 milligrams per day. This is equivalent to about two cups of coffee or four cups of tea.
5. Don’t smoke
Smoking can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of other pregnancy complications. If you smoke, quit as soon as possible.
6. Get enough sleep
Getting enough sleep is important for overall health, including during pregnancy. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
7. Manage stress
Stress can raise blood pressure. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation.
8. Monitor your blood pressure at home
If you have high blood pressure, your doctor or midwife may recommend that you monitor your blood pressure at home. This can help you to track your blood pressure and make sure that it is under control.
9. Take medication if necessary
If you have high blood pressure, your doctor or midwife may prescribe medication to lower your blood pressure. Medication can be safe and effective during pregnancy.
10. Follow your doctor’s or midwife’s instructions
It is important to follow your doctor’s or midwife’s instructions during pregnancy. This includes taking any medications as prescribed and attending all prenatal appointments.
By following these tips, you can help to prevent high blood pressure during pregnancy and protect the health of you and your baby.
By 2025, we can end high blood pressure in pregnancy. We can do this by:
- Increasing awareness of the risks of high blood pressure during pregnancy
- Promoting healthy lifestyles for women of childbearing age
- Improving access to prenatal care
- Developing new and more effective treatments for high blood pressure during pregnancy
We can make a difference. Let’s work together to end high blood pressure in pregnancy by 2025.
| Risk Factor | Relative Risk |
|---|---|
| Obesity | 2.3 |
| Chronic kidney disease | 2.1 |
| Diabetes | 1.9 |
| Age over 35 | 1.6 |
| First pregnancy | 1.5 |
| Multiple pregnancy | 1.4 |
| African American race | 1.3 |
| Smoking | 1.2 |
| Intervention | Relative Risk Reduction |
|---|---|
| Weight loss | 20% |
| Regular exercise | 15% |
| Low-sodium diet | 10% |
| Calcium supplementation | 10% |
| Aspirin therapy | 15% |
| Medication | Relative Risk Reduction |
|---|---|
| Methyldopa | 20% |
| Hydralazine | 15% |
| Labetalol | 10% |
| Nifedipine | 10% |
| Benefit | How it Matters |
|---|---|
| Lower blood pressure | Reduces the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and other pregnancy complications |
| Improved circulation | Helps to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the baby |
| Reduced stress | Can help to improve sleep and overall well-being |
