High Blood Pressure can develop during a pregnancy and poses various risks. Including but not limited to:
- Decreased blood flow to placenta.
- Placental abruption
- Premature delivery
- Future cardiovascular diseaseA healthy weight is important to decrease the risk of high blood pressure and increased risks during your pregnancy.The US Dept of Health and Human Sciences recommends that you know your BMI before you become pregnant, in order to determine what your weight gain in pregnancy should be:normal BMI – between 25-30 lbs. Underweight – 28-40 lbs. Overweight – 15-25 lbs.
Obese: 11-20 lbsStudies have shown that Moderate Exercise for 30 minutes, 3 times per week has been successful in reducing high blood pressure.Swimming
Full body immersion (in a pool, not a bath) for 30 minutes a day will help bring the blood pressure down. You need to get into the pool up to your neck and swim and float around for 30 minutes a day.
- Healthy Foods for decreasing risk of high blood pressure…..
Oranges are bursting with vitamin C , and some studies suggest that people who get lots of vitamin C in their diet may reduce their risk of developing high blood pressure.
Other sources of vitamin C: Guava, grapefruit, broccoli, tomatoes, strawberries, bell peppers, kiwi
Low-fat or skim Milk – Getting enough of the white stuff isn’t just good for your bones. Milk and other dairy products contain a trio of nutrients that may push down your blood pressure: calcium, potassium and magnesium. These nutrients are so important that the DASH diet (short for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) includes two to three daily servings of nonfat or low-fat dairy products.
Magnesium – A diet with plentiful potassium-rich foods has been shown to help lower blood pressure. Recommended daily allowance is 4,700mg/day. Spinach, Silverbeet, Nuts, Pumpkin Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, Beans – kidney, navy, pinto, lima, soya; Brocolli, Tofu, Wheatgerm. (Have a bath in Epsom Salts, which contains Magnesium.) Also consider including Natural Calm (a magnesium supplement before bed)
A diet high in potassium can reduce the risk of heart disease, decrease cancer risk, and decrease the risk of obesity. It is also used to treat lupus, high cholesterol, stroke and heart disease…. Potassium causes the kidneys to excrete excess sodium from the body, and keeping sodium levels low can help drive down blood pressure. good sources of potassium: Bananas, Ripe yellow cucumbers, Sweet Potatoes, Tomato paste, Apricots, Lentils, Avocados, Raisins, peas, spinach, whole grains, meat and fish omega-3 fatty acids
Get protein from plants – studies have shown plant proteins to be helpful in reducing blood pressure. Ex. nuts, soy products, lentils…
Dark Chocolate
Craving chocolate….The flavonols in dark chocolate may protect against high blood pressure and stroke, in part by improving the elasticity of blood vessels. Eat a square, not the whole bar.
Avoid Stress – stress has been shown to play a role in preterm delivery, increased rate of infections, vascular complications. Stress releases catecholamines and cortisol. Cortisol increases blood sugar, suppresses the immune system and decreases bone formation. Elevated levels of catecholamines cause vasoconstriction of placental blood vessels, which impairs the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus.
Get a Massage – It has many health benefits, including to help alleviate stress (Make sure that your massage therapist is educated about pregnancy.)
Avoid smoking – smoking increases many risks, the nicotine level in the fetus is approximately 15% greater than maternal circulation and causes carbon monoxide to build up. It is one of the most common preventable causes of infant morbidity and mortality, increasing pregnancy complications, including but not limited to: risk of placenta previa, placental abruption and premature rupture of membranes. It also increases the risk of poor infant outcomes, including but not limited to: preterm birth, restricted growth, respiratory tract infections, ear infections and SIDS.
A few of the many Herbs & Homeopathics:
Garlic Parsley Hawthorn berry
Raspberry Leaf Tea Grape Seed Extract
Raw Natural Apple Cider Vinegar – 2 TBSP per day (the health benefits are not limited to helping reduce high blood pressure. to help hide the flavor may combine with lemon juice, warm water and a bit of organic honey to not only help lower high blood pressure but give your body a boost to start the day).
Cream of Tartar – One Teaspoon Lemon or lime juice with a tsp of Cream of Tartar in an 8 ounce glass of water up to 3 x per day with meals.
Cream of Tartar has countless health benefits. CAUTION IN PEOPLE WITH KIDNEY DISEASE. Cream of tartar has a high potassium content (495 mg per tsp) Please remember too much of a good thing can often become a bad thing. As with any nutritional supplement, potassium must be taken in moderation.
Urinary tract infection (UTI) – 2 teaspoons of cream of tartar in 8 oz glass of water twice a day (for a bit of flavor add lime) to alter the pH and inhibit the growth of bacteria. (A UTI can cause preterm labor and this is NOT intended to replace medical treatment if needed).