Pregnant or planning to get pregnant? It's time to think about your blood pressure, even if you've never had high blood pressure. About half of pregnancy complications, such as premature birth, are related to high blood pressure. Pregnancy complications also increase the risk of heart disease later in life. But many complications during pregnancy can be avoided. You can start a pregnancy with a normal blood pressure below 120/80 mm Hg but still develop a type of high blood pressure that occurs during or shortly after pregnancy. One complication is gestational hypertension, defined as blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg or higher. It usually occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy or near the due date. Another condition is preeclampsia, a combination of high blood pressure that develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy with other signs that your organs are not working well, such as high levels of protein in the water. urine. Severe cases can lead to seizures or life-threatening comas, a condition known as eclampsia.
Here are seven ways to protect you and your unborn baby from problems related to high blood pressure.
1. Talk to your healthcare provider.
Even if you're not pregnant, knowing if you have high blood pressure can help determine if you're at higher risk for pregnancy-related complications. Work with your provider to establish a plan for a healthy pregnancy.
This includes discussion:
What is the right blood pressure range for you? How to control or reduce high blood pressure by adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as being physically active, choosing foods that are heart-healthy, sodium, low in salt, and not smoking.
Medicines you take. If you're taking blood pressure medication, ask if the type you're taking can be used during pregnancy.
Your family's medical history If other members of your family have had preeclampsia, your doctor may recommend taking additional precautions.
Other personal factors, such as where you live, your age, your race, or your ability to access health care, can affect your risk of pregnancy-related complications.
2. Monitor your blood pressure.
You usually can't feel it if you have high blood pressure. As part of regular prenatal care, your doctor will check your blood pressure at each visit. If it's high, they may suggest you buy a home monitor. If you need to, get someone from the vendor's office to help you make sure it's working properly and that you're using it correctly. Then keep track of your numbers. Also, ask your healthcare provider when you should call if your number goes up.
3. Know the signs of preeclampsia.
Preeclampsia may not cause symptoms initially. However, you may notice some mild symptoms, such as:
* Swollen hands or face.
* More than two pounds per week gain
* Peeing less often than usual
Preeclampsia usually occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy. It can also develop after childbirth, usually within 48 hours. If you have symptoms or something isn't right, it's best to call your doctor. Go to the emergency room or call 9-1-1 if you have any of the following symptoms of severe preeclampsia:
* Headaches that don't go away or get worse.
* Shortness of breath.
* Pain in the right side, under the ribs or in the right shoulder
* Nausea and vomiting
* Vision changes
4. Get support from friends and family.
Share the signs of pregnancy complications with your family and friends. Ask them to help you monitor how you are feeling and get medical attention. When you talk to your health care provider, these friends can make sure you describe all your symptoms and ask all your questions, and they can advocate for you. so that you get the care you need.
5. Try to manage stress.
Stress is not good for your blood pressure. Train yourself to activate your body's built-in relaxation response (the opposite of the stress response). Guided imagery, continuous muscle relaxation, and deep breathing exercises are techniques that can help you relax. Moving more can help calm your mind and body, and is important for your overall heart health. Try yoga or meet friends for a brisk walk. Living in nature can also be very calming for some people.
6. Stay healthy after pregnancy.
After pregnancy, try to maintain a routine of self-care, especially for your heart health. If you already have preeclampsia, you will need to take better care of your heart. One of the best things you can do is share detailed information about pregnancy complications with your healthcare providers. Tell them what happened and how you were treated. You may need a cardiovascular checkup three months after your pregnancy and then annually. The test will measure your blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and weight. Remember that you know your body. Early recognition and correction of cardiovascular disease risks can significantly reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke later in life. Tell your healthcare provider if your blood pressure is elevated or if something is unusual.
7. Learn more.
Learn more about pregnancy and heart health and find resources to track your blood pressure at nhlbi.nih.gov/hypertension.
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