How to Control Blood Pressure During Pregnancy

While many women develop high blood pressure, or gestational hypertension, during pregnancy, there are several measures that pregnant women can take to control blood pressure during pregnancy. High blood pressure may pose serious dangers for the mother and the developing fetus, such as organ or kidney damage and complications during delivery.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Blood pressure cuff
• Paper
• Pen

1. Take measures to control your high blood pressure prior to becoming pregnant. The more you can control your blood pressure before pregnancy, the easier it will be to control once you are pregnant.

2. Talk to your physician before getting pregnant and see what treatments he recommends to control your blood pressure while pregnant. Your doctor may recommend a special low-sodium diet, or in some cases, prescribe medication that will help control your blood pressure before and during pregnancy.

3. Avoid foods that are high in sodium. Excess sodium may increase blood pressure in some people. Eat a diet that is rich in nutrients and avoid eating overly processed or fried foods.

4. Get regular exercise throughout your pregnancy. Exercises such as walking and yoga are easy on your body and provide a low intensity workout. Talk to your doctor about the kind of exercise that is right for you.

5. Check your blood pressure at home using a blood pressure cuff. Write down your blood pressure readings on a piece of paper. Bring your readings with you on your check-ups. Ask your doctor what range of blood pressure readings is considered to be normal for pregnant women.

Tips & Warnings

• If needed, lose weight with proper diet and exercise before pregnancy. Shedding excess pounds before pregnancy can help avoid problems with blood pressure further down the road.
• Get regular prenatal care and follow any instructions that your physician, nurse, or midwife gives you. If you have any unusual symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, or vision changes, call your doctor immediately.

Resources

• National Heart and Lung Institute: High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy
• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists:
• Mayo Clinic: High Blood Pressure and Pregnancy

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