I am 14 weeks pregnant and my Blood Pressure is high, what can I do to prevent preclamsia? too lower the HBP?

Answer 1

I had HBP through 3 pregnancies. Each time, my HBP was managed safely by my obstetrician. The HBP put me in the class of "high risk" pregnancy, so toward the end I had to report the the OB's office or to the hospital maternity ward twice every week for blood pressure monitoring and a non-stress test (NST). During an NST, 2 fetal monitors are attached to the mother's abdomen and the mother may also be given a hand-held device with a button on it and be asked to push the button whenever she feels the baby move. NSTs are used to check the baby's heart rate and how much the baby moves to determine if the HBP or something else is stressing the baby.

During my first pregnancy I was on Metoprolol; for the second one it was Aldomet, and last time they put me on Labetalol.

Although there are foods, supplements and dietary changes that can have some positive affect on your blood pressure, my best advice is to take the medicine that your doctor prescribes. The damage that HBP can cause (to you and to the baby) is not worth the risk, and safe medications exist. My children are all smart, happy and very healthy with no ill effects from my medication whatsoever. Best to you.

Answer 2

I too have this problem in pregnancy. The only thing you can do is try to reduce your salt/sodium intake. However some of it is just due to the way your body reacts to pregnancy. My doctor said the only way I can hope to avoid it this time is if I have a boy and maybe that will make my body react differently because I have two girls and have had PIH with both of them. You may not get preclamsia though, mine only went as far as PIH (preg. induced hypertension) and my bp was realy really high. I had to be induced with both girls.

Answer 3

Get plenty of calcium. My doctor put me on 2000 mg. of calcium per day with 1000 mg. of magnesium. Can you find the book, The Brewer Medical Diet for Normal and High-Risk Pregnancy? In the book they say that not enough protein in the diet can cause toxemia.