Women-health

How to Lower High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy

Table of Contents

What is High Blood Pressure?
Types of High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy
How to Manage Hypertension During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an exciting time. The connection you feel with the life growing inside you is like no other experience. But as with any major life journey, there may be some bumps along the way. High blood pressure in pregnancy is one health concern that can lead to complications for both the mother and the developing fetus. But do not worry—with the help of your doctor and some simple lifestyle changes, you can have a happy, healthy pregnancy.

What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition in which the force of your blood against the walls of your blood vessels is too strong. Over time, this force puts stress on your heart and other organs.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), high blood pressure during pregnancy is called pregnancy dizziness. It is due to a deficiency of liver and kidney yin, qi stagnation, or poor energy flow with an accumulation of phlegm, and qi and blood deficiency. This imbalance causes a lack of nourishment to both the mother's brain and the baby's brain.

Some women have high blood pressure before they get pregnant. Others develop it for the first time during pregnancy. Lifestyle choices factor into the risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy. Potential causes include:

Being overweight
Smoking or drinking alcohol
Being pregnant with multiples
Being over 35
Having an autoimmune disease

3 Types of High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy

It is important to take steps to manage high blood pressure during pregnancy because of the risk to both mother and child.

Chronic Hypertension

If you had high blood pressure before the start of your pregnancy, or develop high blood pressure before 20 weeks of pregnancy, you have chronic high blood pressure. You and your doctor should work to control it before pregnancy using medication and lifestyle changes, including improved nutrition, weight management, and regular physical activity. Continue these practices throughout pregnancy under your doctor’s advice.

Gestational Hypertension

Gestational hypertension occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy. It is characterized by:

Normal blood pressure before pregnancy.
Development of systolic blood pressure (the top number) of 140 mm Hg or higher and/or diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) of 90 mm Hg or higher.

This condition can often be managed well, but women with gestational hypertension are monitored regularly for signs of preeclampsia and to ensure their blood pressure does not rise to severe levels.

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a serious high blood pressure disorder that usually occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy or soon after childbirth. It requires close medical management to reduce risks for both mother and baby.

Potential complications include:

Fetal growth restriction
Preterm birth
Placental abruption
HELLP syndrome
Eclampsia
Organ damage
Future cardiovascular disease

If you experience severe headache, vision changes, upper abdominal pain, nausea, or reduced urine output, contact your doctor immediately.

How to Manage Hypertension During Pregnancy

You can make lifestyle changes to help manage high blood pressure and have a healthier pregnancy.

Manage Stress

Adjusting your mindset is crucial. Staying cheerful, avoiding overthinking, and getting ample sleep in a peaceful environment can help. Foot soaks in warm water before bed may also promote relaxation (avoid this if you have swollen feet).

Stay Active

Gentle exercises like walking, yoga, tai chi, and qigong can maintain heart health and control weight gain. Always consult your doctor before starting new exercises.

Acupuncture and Herbs

Studies show acupuncture can help lower blood pressure and relieve pregnancy discomforts. Work with qualified practitioners to ensure safe treatments.

Dietary Changes

Limit salt intake and include foods high in protein, vitamins, and minerals, such as leafy greens, garlic, lean meats, and omega-3-rich fish. A small amount of dark chocolate is also beneficial.