If you have High blood pressure and want to lower blood pressure during pregnancy, then you are in the right place. A common occurrence is high blood pressure during pregnancy. Blood pressure mainly fluctuates for the fluctuation of hormones and blood circulation, especially in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy.
When you are older, you might think of high blood pressure as an issue you’ll have to deal with, but it turns out that many pregnant women still deal with it. Hypertension affects up to 8% of expecting women and can lead to complications, ranging from preeclampsia to low birth weight to increased risk of placenta abruption (placenta separating from the uterus before labor) to kidney problems.
So you should find a way to keep your blood pressure under control if you have been diagnosed with gestational hypertension or are at risk of developing it during pregnancy; and because many drugs are major no-nos during pregnancy, making a few lifestyle improvements is the secret to doing so. Here are 7 natural ways through which you can lower blood pressure during pregnancy.
Ways to Lower Blood Pressure during Pregnancy
- Ditch any salt. While small amounts of sodium are needed by your body, consuming too much sodium can lead to hypertension. So, try to substitute other spices for salts, such as fresh cumin herbs and lemon pepper. To rid them of any extra salt, you can also rinse canned foods and do your best to avoid processed foods and fast foods. Try choosing low-sodium alternatives if you purchase processed foods.
- Eat more whole grains and potassium-rich foods in a balanced way. Go on with the bananas, yes, with the bananas, but not just. Potassium-rich sweet potatoes, prunes, raisins, kidney beans, tomatoes, and more will all help lower your blood pressure. Studies have shown that hypertension can also be minimized by whole grains that are high in dietary fibers. So stock up on legumes, fruits, whole grains, and protein. For instance, you could have a mixed veggie omelet paired with whole-grain toast and a side of fruit for breakfast.
- Destress. Being depressed will potentially cause your blood pressure to increase, whether you are pregnant or not. So aim to minimize the things that cause anxiety, and do what you can, whether it’s meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises, to facilitate relaxation. Eventually, both of these will help you control labor pain, so for the big day, it’s good practice, too.
- Only get going. It is more likely that women who are sedentary would experience high blood pressure. But it is very important to apply a daily physical routine that you can do during your pregnancy. Not only can it alleviate tension, improve blood circulation and reduce blood pressure, but it will also have a beneficial effect on the health outcome of your baby in the future. So, consider doing 30 minutes of exercise every day. And you should do activities that are not too intensive, like walking or swimming, if you don’t normally work out.
- No alcohol or smoking. This goes without saying, but it is important for your baby’s protection and wellbeing to avoid smoking and alcohol during your pregnancy. What’s more, both drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes will raise your blood pressure. Speak to your doctor if you are still smoking during pregnancy to adopt a plan to stop.
- Keep an eye on your weight regularly. Before that, you’ve heard the saying “eating for two” but you shouldn’t take it literally. It is a risk factor for hypertension to be overweight, so you want to ensure that your pregnancy weight gain remains within safe limits. So work on a balanced regimen and listen to your body, of course.
- Follow the procedure for medicine. If you have been instructed to take some medicine, adhering to the schedule and taking it as noted is important. Hypertension can also be a side effect of certain medications. In order to find out what is safe to take during pregnancy, make sure to talk to your doctor.
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Thanks, it was helpful.