How to Control BP in Pregnancy

There is a valid reason why pregnant women are advised rest. High blood pressure is common among pregnant women, usually after the 20 or 24 weeks, but it is not necessarily a dangerous combination. A blood pressure which is more than 140/90 mm Hg and above is considered as high blood pressure during pregnancy. So, how to control BP in pregnancy? To lower blood pressure close monitoring of the mother and the child is crucial.

Signs of high blood pressure during pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time when a woman needs to take extra care of herself and lead as healthy lifestyle as possible. Here are some signs of high blood pressure during pregnancy which pregnant women must be aware of –
Protein in urine
Swelling
Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Abdominal pain

There are two types of high blood pressure in pregnancy.

Chronic hypertension – this happens when a woman already has high blood pressure before falling pregnant.

Pregnancy-induced high BP – also known as gestational high blood pressure, this arises when high blood pressure is caused to pregnancy.

If left untreated, high blood pressure can pose serious health risks for both the mother and baby.

How to control BP in pregnancy? Eat healthy!

If you’re thinking how to control BP in pregnancy, start eating healthy! Simple dietary and lifestyle changes can help reduce blood pressure and lead a healthy life. Here’s how to control BP during 9th month of pregnancy –

Eat calcium & magnesium-rich foods

Calcium and magnesium are known for reducing high blood pressure during pregnancy. So, your diet must largely consist of –

• Almonds
• Avocados
• Bananas
• Pumpkin seeds
• Tofu
• Soy milk
• Cashews
• Yogurt
• Whole grains
• Green leafy vegetables

The best sources of calcium and magnesium are green leafy vegetables such as broccoli, spinach and kale. Other rich sources include carrot, celery, garlic, onion, peas, sweet potatoes and tomatoes.

Essential fatty acids

Wondering how to prevent blood pressure during pregnancy? Include omega-3 fatty acids! Studies have shown that essential fatty acids found in flaxseeds, coconut oil, hazelnuts, chia seeds, olive oil, walnuts and salmon can lower blood pressure.

Increase potassium intake

A pregnant woman must consume at least 2,000 to 4,000 mg of potassium in a day. In fact, potassium must be part of the high blood pressure diet plan whether you’re pregnant or not. Some of the potassium-rich foods include sweet potatoes, tomatoes, oranges, bananas, kidney beans and raisins.

Other ways to control BP in pregnancy

There is no cure for chronic high blood pressure, but you can manage it during pregnancy. Apart from eating a healthy diet and limiting your sodium intake, how to control BP in pregnancy? Here are some ways –

• Follow deep breathing exercise to lower your stress levels and stabilise blood pressure
• Walk as much as possible as inactive women are at a much higher risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy. Enjoy brisk walking for at least 30 to 45 minutes every day
• Monitor your weight gain – do not gain too much weight
• Listen to music
• Avoid caffeinated drinks
• Do not smoke and drink alcohol

ANJALI MUKERJEE, Nutritionist, Founder Director-Health Total, having health centers
in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Pune -manages obesity & other health related disorders.
Contact numbers: 1800 8918131/+91 86575 61727
For further information, Visit www.health-total.com