What can you take for high blood pressure while pregnant?

Pregnancy is an exciting time that comes with a ton of changes, both physically and emotionally. One change you might not be too excited about? Dealing with high blood pressure during pregnancy. But don’t fret! While it’s important to keep your blood pressure under control to protect both you and your growing baby, there are plenty of options for managing hypertension in pregnant women. In this article, we’ll explore what can you take for high blood pressure while pregnant – without giving up all the fun!

Understanding High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy

High blood pressure (also known as hypertension) affects millions of people around the world each year – including pregnant women. When left untreated or uncontrolled, high blood pressure can increase your risk of serious health complications such as stroke, heart disease, kidney damage or even premature birth.

During pregnancy,sometimes the hormonal changes can cause slight elevations in blood pressures but these usually return back after delivery (thank god!).

Here are some common causes:

  • Overweight and obesity
  • Too much salt intake
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Family history
  • Age

All set moms should have their records intact before planning a child

Managing High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy

To manage high BP , here are some intervention steps that may help :

Lifestyle Changes

You know those tips your mom always nagged you about? Staying active by exercising regularly ,Maintaining a healthy diet filled with fruits & vegetables,Maintaining Hydration throughout day ! Well,mamma bear she was right!

Some suggestions include:

Exercise regularly(which really does sound like work)

Getting regular exercise throughout pregnancy is key to maintaining good health—both mental and physical.But this doesn’t mean lifting heavy weights.Intake basic exercises like walking,yoga,cycling which do wonders when it comes to controlling BP..

Eat a balanced diet(Don’t forget the cheating days)

It’s important to maintain a healthy, balanced diet. eating greens helps regulate blood flows.Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) is also recommended by experts.

Get enough rest(catch that beauty sleep!)

Pregnant women need more downtime & ample rest for their babies. This includes getting around 7–8 hours of sleep each night.

Medications

Here are some medications that you can take under monitoring and consultation with your doctor :

Methyldopa(When in doubt ALWAYS consult your OB-Gyn)

Traditionally deemed as the safest medicine during pregnancy , methyldopa is known to lower high BP without being harmful for moms-to-be or their unborn child. It works by relaxing blood vessels and reducing heart rate so it makes sure there’s less pressure on your tiny tot.

Sometimes,this may cause dizziness,hence keeping yourself hydrated can bridge this gap(you did read point no.2 ,right?)

Labetalol(Have I heard this name before -yes,yes from Top Gun!!)

Labetalol brings down systolic readings primarily.Its an alpha and beta blocker which reduces strains put on arteries ultimately leading to reduced oxygen consumption . Who doesn't like choices?This medication gives variety of varieties – injection, IV,drips tabs i.e Available accomodating mommies who deal with various forms of hypertension.Some common side effects include tiredness,dizziness, but its effective at controlling BP with minimal harm .

Nifedipine(Mind Over Matter!)

Nifedipine falls into Calcium channel blockers that decreases contractions related complications making them safer bet for pregnant peers ! Its usually administered orally but among US healthcare professionals ,Sublingual absorption has become quite popular!

You know what they say about Swiss Knifes!

Nifidepine cut across both systolic and diastolic pressures without affecting baby.The possible side effects could lead to swelling of feet or ankles!

Others outside the box (No judgement here!)-B-Blockers ,Water pills, ACE inhibitors.

So Are There Any NO -NO’s?

Some medications can be harmful during pregnancy so steer clear of things like :

  • ACE inhibitors such as benazepril,Lisinopril
  • Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) like candesartan ,valsartan
  • Some beta-blockers that contain agents such as atenolol

If you’re already taking meds for hypertension before becoming pregnant , its important not to stop your prescription drugs entirely. Always call your OB-Gyn before making any changes .

What If Lifestyle Changes & Medications Aren’t Enough?(Seems drastic !)

In situations where lifestyle modification and medicines don’t seem to make a significant difference,treatment might need more rigorous interventions.

Preterm Delivery(Miss Congeniality in the house!)

When Hypertension poses a threat on momma bears health and babies growth is hindered,sometimes doctors may recommend early delivery.Preterm delivery is incited only due to complications related to high BP.Otherwise,in absence of signs indicating impairment from mothers end,till the 40th week,you’re good-to-go!(Lucky,Isn't it?)

Close Fetal Monitoring(Tot Savvy Mamas Alert!)

It’s verra verra Important !!! A series of tests may be scheduled over routine checkups.Doppler ultrasounds are mandatory by most gynaecologists.ECG,ECHO Test may also give info about fetal well-being and positions which helps monitoring bettering blood flows for optimum survival rates.

Since Blood pressure causes troubles in normal course,it makes it difficult during child birth too.It takes double efforts from medical staff who will need to keep a finger on the pulse of both.Blood pressures every few minutes are mandatory which either ends up in discomfort for mommy or leads to lower sensitivity towards uterine contractions getting intense.

Conclusion

High Blood Pressure during pregnancy one of your concerns.What you can take for high Blood Pressure while pregnant has plenty of options,together with support from OB-Gyn who continuously recommends various methods suiting mamas.

For individual customizations,or ensuring less risks,taking small steps like-Meditating ,Acupuncture help maintain calmness that go a long way.Always check if medications prescribed fall under safe medication lists.Staying active is something encouraged by all Gynecologists since blood circulation is key.Afterall, pregnancy might mean you’re gonna have to trade in rose wine for sparkling water,but it doesn't necessarily imply sacrifice when dealing with BP!

Happy parenting future mammas,you got this!  

Random Posts