If high blood pressure occurs during pregnancy, it is referred to as pregnancy-induced hypertension (SiH) or gestational hypertension. Both mean that high blood pressure occurs only conditionally due to the pregnancy and usually subsides after birth. This is usually the case from the 20th week of pregnancy.
If you already have high blood pressure before the 20th week of gestation, it is likely that you already had it before pregnancy and your doctor will refer to this as chronic hypertension. To determine high blood pressure, it is measured. This is done twice in succession. If the value is above 140/90 in each measurement, it is elevated blood pressure.
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High Blood Pressure In Pregnancy: What To Do?
Very often during pregnancy, there is increased high blood pressure. In about one in ten pregnant women, blood pressure rises during pregnancy. The probability is higher in women who are overweight. As a rule, women with elevated blood pressure are monitored very closely, so high blood pressure during pregnancy is usually not a cause for concern.
Women who suffer from high blood pressure during pregnancy should attend all screening appointments and always make sure that both their blood pressure and their urine are checked. Elevated blood pressure is responsible for 15-20% of deaths during pregnancy or delivery. The earlier elevated blood pressure becomes apparent during pregnancy, the greater the likelihood of pre-eclampsia.
Preeclampsia can affect the functioning of the placenta and thus disrupt the development of the baby. To detect preeclampsia, the urine is tested for protein. If elevated blood pressure is detected during pregnancy, it is treated with medication, which in most cases is not dangerous for mother and baby. If the blood pressure rises very high, it may be necessary for the expectant mother to be monitored in the hospital.
Provided the baby is well and the expectant mother’s condition remains constant, antihypertensive medications are used to try to relieve hypertension. If it is determined that the baby is not doing well and the mother is also very distressed, artificial induction of labor may be advised. Alternatively, the baby may be delivered by cesarean section. In women who have normal blood pressure before pregnancy, it will usually return to normal during the first three months after birth. If the elevated blood pressure does not subside, then it is treated with medication and it is assumed that the blood pressure was also elevated before pregnancy.
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High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy: Home Remedies
If you suffer from high blood pressure during pregnancy, it is usually treated with medication. However, you can also additionally try to keep your blood pressure down with natural remedies. Vitamin D helps to keep blood pressure under control, a deficiency of this vitamin can cause blood pressure to rise. To absorb natural vitamin D you should spend a few minutes a day in the sun. But remember to avoid the sun or provide adequate protection in the blazing heat. It is helpful to combine sunbathing with a walk.
This is because exercise not only alleviates some of the concomitant complaints of pregnancy but also has an effect on your well-being and your blood pressure. Drinking plenty of fluids is very important during pregnancy. Especially peppermint tea is said to have a lowering effect on blood pressure. Garlic and onion are also said to help lower blood pressure.
In addition, many advise changing to a low-salt diet. As well as to make sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. There are many home remedies that are supposed to help lower blood pressure with the addition of various oils or herbs. But talk to your midwife first before taking such natural remedies, because not all herbs or oils are tolerated during pregnancy. Some women also like to resort to Schüssler salts to keep their blood pressure low.
