For patients: High blood pressure during pregnancy: how to track and what to do?

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Pregnancy is a great stress for a woman’s body, so during pregnancy it is necessary to closely monitor your health and try to do everything necessary to ensure that the pregnancy proceeds in conditions favorable for the mother and the unborn baby. You need to give up bad habits, lead a healthy lifestyle, breathe fresh air, eat well and avoid stressful situations.

But it is important to monitor not only external factors that can affect the body, but also the internal processes that occur in it. In particular, it is imperative to control blood pressure and prevent it from jumping. High blood pressure can endanger the life of the unborn child.

What should your blood pressure be during pregnancy?

It is difficult to answer this question unequivocally, because people’s “working” pressure can differ significantly. There are average ranges of the recognized norm, but there are also individual characteristics. As a guide, blood pressure in the range from 120/80 to 140/90

.
People with consistently low blood pressure are diagnosed with “ hypotension
,” and people with blood pressure above the maximum normal value are diagnosed with “
arterial hypertension
” (
AH
). Drug therapy and the use of non-drug agents help normalize blood pressure and bring it into the “normal” range. Physical activity, regular walks, proper nutrition, lack of stress, etc. contribute to this.

Doctors try to avoid additional drug load on the female body during pregnancy, so they are calm about lowering blood pressure to the lower limits of the range and even lower (90/60). Unstable blood pressure is considered normal, since the female body undergoes serious restructuring during pregnancy, but it is still necessary to control blood pressure.

If a pregnant woman’s blood pressure has noticeably increased compared to her normal blood pressure or there are surges with a high level of lower pressure, then the doctor will most likely diagnose “ hypertension.”

" This diagnosis requires additional treatment, but it is better to start it earlier than to worsen the situation, so doctors recommend measuring blood pressure daily, and not just during routine medical examinations. You can even keep a “diary” and record the measurement results to see the dynamics.

What can be done to normalize blood pressure

Pregnant women with hypotension are advised to wear compression stockings during morning or afternoon exercise. The pressure of underwear on the calves and thighs increases blood flow and normalizes blood pressure. In combination with light exercises, a contrast shower and rubbing the body with a soft towel are invigorating.

Take full advantage of the beneficial properties of the fruit, which include:

• fructose;
• fiber;
• vitamins;
• microelements.

With the consent of the doctor, a pregnant woman can take medications to lower blood pressure:

• “Dipyridamole;
• “Pantocrine;
• "Eleutherococcus" (extract).

The duration of use of any drug should not exceed 30 days.

Regime and proper rest

Pregnant women should rethink their lifestyle to avoid taking medications that increase blood pressure. Getting a full night's sleep of at least 10 hours will help you avoid fatigue and feel more alert. To help you feel better, take a nap or two throughout the day.

Rest should be moderately active. You will feel better if you go for a walk or do some exercise during pregnancy. The duration of the exercises should not exceed 5 minutes. Night shifts and high emotional and physical stress are contraindicated for working women. Take rest breaks throughout the day.

Aromatherapy

Home aromatherapy is possible, but with limitations. There are essential oils that are contraindicated for pregnant women in each trimester. Oils from the following plants can provoke a miscarriage and complicate childbirth:

• parsley, rosemary, cinnamon;
• cedar, lemon balm, chamomile, basil;
• tarragon, oregano, myrrh;
• anise, thuja, monkfish.

Ylang-ylang essential oil is recommended for stabilizing blood pressure and has a positive effect on the walls of blood vessels and heart function. Scents of lavender, ginger, patchouli, and citrus are allowed for pregnant women.

Massage and additional treatments

You can also use acupressure, which is professionally performed by a specialist. At home you can massage 3 points:

• The first point is on the upper lip near the cleft;
• The second point is on the right and left big toes where they meet the next toe;
• In the hands, the points that affect blood pressure are located on the little fingers.

Lightly rubbing your knees, wrists and ankles can increase your blood pressure. Yoga, fitness classes for pregnant women, swimming, breathing techniques will help keep the body in good shape and prepare it for childbirth.

If the doctor deems it necessary, the woman may be referred for examination of internal organs (heart, kidneys, thyroid gland, brain) to clarify the diagnosis. High blood pressure can be the result of a serious medical condition. In the absence of other pathologies, hypotensive women are prescribed:

• electric shock;
• electrophoresis in the collar area;
• UVA;
• massage.

Diet

Taking care of the health of the child, a pregnant woman should minimize the use of medications. Pay more attention to a properly balanced diet. Diet is necessary from the first days of pregnancy, when the fetus is just beginning to form its organs.

A properly selected set of products will help normalize blood pressure in a pregnant woman. A woman should have on her desk:

• apricot, pomegranate, apple;
• red berries (raspberries and strawberries);
• sorrel greens, spinach, dill;
• boiled root vegetables (beets and carrots)
• celery root;
• seafood;
• strong meat broth;
• any tea;
• bee products and walnuts;
• compote.

Pregnant women with hypotension can increase the daily dose of salt to 9 g; people with normal and high blood pressure should adhere to the norm - 6 g of salt per day. Salt is contraindicated if the pregnant woman has kidney problems or edema.

In addition to the above products for measuring blood pressure, women should include fermented milk drinks, lean meat and liver in their diet.

Avoiding sweets, smoked foods and other unhealthy foods can stabilize blood pressure levels.

Folk remedies

Only together with a doctor can a woman decide on traditional methods of increasing blood pressure. Here are a few recipes for pregnant women that can increase blood pressure when taken systematically:

1. A pregnant woman can brew hibiscus tea and add a small slice of lemon to it. You can drink up to 3 tablespoons of a tonic drink per day. It's not difficult to prepare. Place 5 Sudanese rose (Hibiscus) flowers in a porcelain teapot with a capacity of 0.5 liters, pour boiling water, leave for 20 minutes.
2. Normalize (increase, lower) blood pressure in women using cranberries. First, crush them in a mortar, then pour boiling water and leave for 1 hour a day, it is recommended to drink ½ cup. Take 1 handful of ripe berries per 0.5 liters of water. For flavor, add honey to the cooled and strained tincture.
3. An infusion of herbs: thyme, hops, lemon balm and mint helps lift the mood of pregnant women. All these herbs normalize the nervous system, blood pressure levels, and strengthen the immune system.

Hypotension can be prevented in a simple way that doctors recommend to all pregnant women. Follow a routine, eat small portions, avoid visiting places with large crowds of people, use public transport less during rush hour and go shopping less.

Why is high blood pressure dangerous for a pregnant woman?

High blood pressure can lead to serious consequences for the body of mother and baby. First of all, the heart and blood vessels react to high blood pressure; arterial hypertension prevents adequate blood supply to the placenta ( preeclampsia

), as a result of which disturbances in fetal development may occur. A child can be born with a whole “bouquet” of diseases.

At the same time, a woman may feel persistent headaches and abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, her vision may decrease, breathing problems may appear, and her weight may increase sharply. Sometimes preeclampsia can be asymptomatic, but the consequences will be just as serious, so it is important not to trust solely your own feelings and sensations, but to monitor your blood pressure and do blood and urine tests in order to seek prenatal care in time.

Preeclampsia

in some cases may be accompanied by additional complications. The worst of them is eclampsia, which impairs blood circulation in a woman’s brain. Eclampsia can cause a sudden, severe seizure that is accompanied by convulsions and can result in coma and miscarriage, and sometimes death of the mother.

Why does blood pressure drop in pregnant women?

Low blood pressure in the early stages of pregnancy is often recorded and is usually associated with physiological changes, namely hormonal changes in the body.

A short-term decrease in blood pressure can occur when a pregnant woman is in a hot and/or stuffy room, fatigue, or irregular meals.

Other reasons for low blood pressure during pregnancy may include:

• sedentary lifestyle;
• dehydration of the body;
• disorders of the cardiovascular system;
• infectious process in the body;
• endocrine disorders (adrenal and thyroid insufficiency).

Blood pressure in the second half of pregnancy may decrease during night sleep if the woman sleeps on her back, since in this case the fetus compresses the vena cava, which leads to poor circulation.

What can arterial hypertension indicate?

High blood pressure is not always an independent problem; sometimes it is only a symptom of another disease or condition, for example, gestosis. Preeclampsia

- This is a complication of pregnancy, sometimes it is also called “late toxicosis”. A symptom of gestosis is not only high blood pressure, but also swelling, as well as an increased level of protein in the urine. Preeclampsia can lead to failure of the kidneys or other vital organs.

High blood pressure may also indicate fetoplacental insufficiency, i.e. interfere with the flow of oxygen to the fetus. “Oxygen starvation” can cause developmental arrest and death of the unborn child. In addition, high blood pressure can trigger premature placental abruption.

How to treat?

There are the following ways to lower blood pressure:

• taking pills (read the instructions carefully or consult a leading gynecologist - Papazol, Egilok, Dopegit and others)
• avoiding stress (for example, you can do yoga for pregnant women)
• traditional medicine (decoctions based on rose hips, dill seeds, taking pumpkin with honey)
• preparation and consumption of vitamin cocktails (beetroot, pomegranate, carrot, pumpkin and cranberry juice)
• exclusion from food of spicy, salty and sweet foods, as well as coffee and chocolate
• place some support under your feet when you are lying down and resting

Thus, eliminating high blood pressure will not be difficult. You just need to undergo an examination and consult with your doctor.

Signs of high blood pressure

The most reliable way to control pressure is by regularly measuring it, but sometimes the pressure may jump unexpectedly, and a tonometer may not be at hand. Indirect symptoms of high blood pressure may also be cause for concern.

, and especially their combinations:

• dizziness and headache;
• noise in ears;
• “flies” before the eyes;
• nausea and vomiting;
• severe swelling;
• the appearance of red spots on the skin after mild physical activity or stress.

If these symptoms appear, you need to measure your blood pressure and, if possible, rest. During pregnancy, a woman’s condition is not stable, but ignoring symptoms of high blood pressure or other atypical symptoms is also dangerous. It is better to consult a doctor and do not miss scheduled visits to the doctor.

Products for increasing blood pressure

You can increase your blood pressure without medications using foods if you use them carefully and in moderation. Here are some famous facts about food:

• Baked goods, flour products, and starchy foods raise pressure well.
• Cheese, cottage cheese, eggs, nuts (walnuts, Brazilian, pecans, peanuts) will help diversify the menu.
• Vegetables - potatoes, beans, corn, celery root, carrots and beets quickly normalize blood pressure.
• Butter, fish oil, lard are not recommended for consumption. For more accurate information on creating your diet, consult a nutritionist.

It is advisable to limit the use of:

• Spices such as horseradish, mustard, and black pepper can cause irritation in the stomach.
• Spicy, smoked foods and canned food - the liver may react.
• Salt. In addition to the fact that it accumulates excess water, thereby increasing the total volume and improving blood flow, it can cause swelling.
• Caffeine. Has a bad effect on the functioning of the heart.

Fruits that increase blood pressure

Another good remedy for blood pressure is fruit. In addition to their high content of fiber, fructose and microelements and vitamins important for the body of a pregnant woman, you can increase not only blood pressure, but also immunity. For hypotension, fruits that increase blood pressure include: pear, pomegranate, banana, strawberry, grapes, dates, dried apricots, citrus fruits. When it's not the season, you can switch to dried fruits or even juices - the effect will be the same.

Which berry increases blood pressure?

Which berry raises blood pressure best is a controversial issue. Chokeberry, sea buckthorn, viburnum, rose hips, goji berries, mulberries, raspberries are indispensable helpers for maintaining and promoting health and well-being. Tincture, ground jam from them - everything in a row. All of them, when consumed in moderation, will contribute to an increase in blood pressure.

Causes of high blood pressure during pregnancy

If a woman has previously been diagnosed with hypertension, then you should not be surprised at high blood pressure during pregnancy. On the contrary, it is necessary to monitor changes in the condition even more carefully and follow the doctor’s recommendations. If a woman was taking medications regularly before pregnancy, they may need to be changed. At the very least, you will need to make sure that the drugs will not harm the unborn baby. Typically, medications for pregnant women are selected separately and individually.

The causes of high blood pressure can be stress, excess weight, diabetes, smoking and various diseases. Heredity also plays an important role. A predisposition to high blood pressure may not appear immediately, but if it exists, then even at the pregnancy planning stage it is worth taking care to ensure that there are as few factors that provoke arterial hypertension as possible.

Reasons for the downgrade

Severe toxicity in the initial period is accompanied by vomiting, vomiting, and in severe cases causes dehydration and, as a consequence, arterial hypotension. If a woman suffers from poisoning, it is necessary to measure her blood pressure with a tonometer. Factors that can cause hypotension:

• disease;
• stress;
• no mode;
• poor or insufficient sleep;
• unbalanced diet;
• dehydration.

Pressure surges can be caused by: prolonged exposure to the sun or poor ventilation, sudden changes in weather, diseases:

• endocrine disorders;
• gastrointestinal disorders;
• infection;
• heart problems, vascular problems;
• kidney disease, dysfunction of the adrenal glands.

In the absence of pathology, hypotension is one of the symptoms of pregnancy. Mood swings and malaise are typical for women with low blood pressure.

How to deal with high blood pressure

Special medications help lower blood pressure, but only a doctor can prescribe them for a pregnant woman. Self-medication in this matter can be very dangerous. Medicines are prescribed based on the results of a comprehensive examination. It is also better not to experiment with dietary supplements, despite their “naturalness” and “naturalness,” they can cause allergies and lead to other complications that are especially dangerous during pregnancy.

But you shouldn’t rely only on medications, while forgetting the simple rules of a healthy lifestyle. Controlling your own weight, regular exercise (if not contraindicated by a doctor), proper nutrition and giving up bad habits helps normalize blood pressure.

Nutrition for hypotension in pregnant women

First of all, pregnant women with hypotension are advised to drink plenty of fluids (if there are no contraindications from the urinary system). What can you drink? Black, green or ginger tea with cinnamon and honey, compotes, fruit drinks, fruit and vegetable juices, hot hibiscus tea (cold lowers blood pressure), mineral water. Pregnant women can consume natural coffee in a limited amount, 1-2 cups per day; it is recommended to add milk and sugar to it. Instant coffee is contraindicated.

It is recommended to include iodized salt (up to 10 g per day), meat, beef liver, fish, butter, fresh fruits, vegetables and berries, herbs, and dairy products in the diet. Nutrition should be varied and balanced, fully covering the body's needs during this period.

Natural coffee with milk will help raise blood pressure

You need to eat regularly, following a regimen - 5-6 times a day in small portions (3 main meals + 2-3 snacks) at approximately the same time. You should not take long breaks between meals, as this can cause a sharp drop in blood pressure. If a pregnant woman leaves home for a long time, it is advisable to have a small snack with her, for example, a banana, cookies or a bottle of drinking yogurt.

A pregnant woman with hypotension should spend a lot of time outdoors, as her body needs an increased supply of oxygen.

Clinical symptoms at the beginning of pregnancy

Already in the first few days after conception, the following conditions and changes in the body of a pregnant girl may develop:

1. Early factor. This is the name of a special substance that is released 1-2 days after fertilization. According to the data obtained, it is found in 67% of examined women whose pregnancy was subsequently confirmed.
2. Bloody discharge from the genital tract. They may have a yellowish or pinkish tint and appear when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine walls. This usually happens at the end of the first, beginning of the second week after conception.
3. The increase in basal temperature that appeared at the time of ovulation persists for a long time if fertilization has occurred. Its measurement can indirectly confirm the occurrence of pregnancy. The general body temperature may also rise to 37 degrees.
4. Paresthesia, pain and cramps in the calf muscles. As a rule, they occur late in the evening or at night, causing sleep disturbances and even insomnia.
5. A decrease in blood pressure, which is manifested by severe weakness and dizziness. With significant hypotension, fainting is possible. The risk of developing this condition is prolonged exposure to a stuffy, unventilated room or standing position.
6. Decreased immunity. Manifested by frequent colds. Also, against the background of immunodeficiency, pregnant women may be bothered by genital candidiasis or, in other words, thrush.
7. Increased urge to urinate. Most often this symptom appears in later stages of pregnancy, but it can also occur in the first days.

Despite the huge number of signs, most often a woman pays attention to a delay in menstruation. And for good reason. This is the most obvious and accurate symptom that should lead you to certain thoughts. Of course, menstrual irregularities occur in a huge number of pathological conditions. However, if you are planning a pregnancy, a delay may be the first bell indicating the onset of the long-awaited conception.

Immediately after the onset of the above sign, you can conduct a test that is sensitive to an increase in hCG.

Dizziness, fainting.

Brief loss of consciousness is usually associated with pressure changes. Even if a woman has never lost consciousness before, she should be especially careful. If you feel dizzy, you should provide access to fresh air: ask those nearby to open the window and ventilate the room. To avoid fainting, try to choose loose clothing made from natural materials that is appropriate for the weather. If your job involves physical labor, then you should consider reducing your workload during the day.

Sudden mood swings.

You woke up in a good mood, but a minute later absolutely everything irritates you? This is not a mental disorder. Until hormonal levels stabilize, constantly changing emotions, a sudden transition from negative to positive, can accompany a woman throughout pregnancy. Explain to your loved ones that now you are more sensitive to everything that happens around you. When your hormonal levels return to normal, you will feel better. This usually happens in the second trimester of pregnancy. If emotional problems bother you too much, be sure to ask your doctor to prescribe you a mild sedative that is not contraindicated for pregnant women.

Constant fatigue and loss of strength.;

These early signs of pregnancy occur primarily as a result of the body's natural reduction in immune defenses so that the embryo can fully grow and develop. Try to reduce your stress at home and at work and distribute tasks in such a way that you do not get tired. You should not drink a lot of coffee and supplements with a high caffeine content: it depletes the body's internal resources, giving a temporary boost in strength for a short time.

Frequent urge to urinate.

The nerve endings located in the bladder react to even the slightest impact. The growing uterus puts pressure on the bladder during pregnancy, causing a constant desire to visit the restroom. This symptom is often detected at 5-6 weeks of pregnancy after a missed period, but can appear already at the beginning of the first trimester due to individual characteristics. There is evidence that progesterone reduces the tone of the bladder, which affects its physiology.