Are you pregnant or planning to become 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 B. a premature birth, are related to high blood pressure. Pregnancy complications also increase the risk of heart disease later in life. But many pregnancy complications can be prevented.
You can start your pregnancy with a healthy blood pressure of less than 120/80 mm Hg but still develop a type of high blood pressure that occurs during or immediately after pregnancy. A complication is gestational hypertension, defined as a blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg or greater. It usually occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy or just before delivery. Another condition is preeclampsia, a combination of high blood pressure that develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy with other signs that your organs aren't working properly, such as: B. high levels of protein in the urine.
Severe cases can lead to life-threatening seizures or coma, a condition known as eclampsia. Here are seven ways to protect you and your baby from high blood pressure-related problems. Talk to your healthcare provider. If you're not pregnant yet, knowing your high blood pressure can help determine if you're at higher risk for pregnancy-related complications.
Work with your provider to create a plan for a healthy pregnancy. This includes considering: Which blood pressure range is healthy for you? How to control or lower high blood pressure by adopting a healthy lifestyle e.g. B. Is physically active, chooses heart-healthy foods low in salt and sodium, and doesn't smoke. medications you are taking.
If you're already taking blood pressure medication, ask if the type you're taking is okay during pregnancy. Your family's health history. If other family members have had preeclampsia, your doctor may recommend that you take extra precautions. Factors such as your age, where you live, your race, or access to medical care can affect your risk of pregnancy-related complications. Check your blood pressure.
You don't usually feel high blood pressure. As part of your regular prenatal care, your doctor will check your blood pressure at each visit. If you need one, ask someone at your provider's office to help you make sure it's working properly and that you're using it correctly. Then keep an eye on your numbers.
Also, ask your doctor when to call if your numbers are increasing. Know the signs of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia may not initially cause any symptoms. However, you may notice some mild symptoms such as: B.: Swelling of the hands or face
Sudden weight gain for a day or two. Gaining more than two pounds a week. Urinate less frequently than usual. Preeclampsia usually occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy. It can also develop after delivery, usually within 48 hours.
If you have any symptoms or something doesn't feel right, it's always best to call your provider. Go to the emergency room or call 9-1-1 if you have any of these symptoms of severe preeclampsia: headache that won't go away or gets worse difficulty breathing pain in the right side, under the ribs, or in the right side Shoulderp>
Nausea and vomiting Vision changes Get support from friends and family. Share the signs of pregnancy complications with your family and friends. Ask them to help you manage your feelings and help you get medical care.
When you speak to a healthcare provider, these friends can make sure you describe all of your symptoms and ask all of your questions, and they can work to ensure you get the treatment you need. Try to control stress. Stress is not good for blood pressure. Practice activating the body's relaxation response (the opposite of the stress response).
Guided imagery, progressive muscle relaxation, and deep breathing exercises are techniques that can help you relax. Getting more exercise can help calm your mind and body, and is important for your overall heart health. Try yoga or meet up with friends for a brisk walk. Being in nature can also be very relaxing for some people. Stay healthy after pregnancy.
After your pregnancy, try to keep up your self-care routines, especially for your heart health. If you've had preeclampsia, you need to take extra care of your heart. One of the best things you can do is share details about pregnancy complications with your doctor. Tell them what happened and what treatment you received.
You may need a cardiovascular exam three months after pregnancy and annually thereafter. The test measures your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and weight. Remember, you know your body. Early identification and management of cardiovascular disease risk can significantly reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke later in life.
Tell your doctor if your blood pressure is rising or anything doesn't feel right.