What foods lower blood pressure during pregnancy. The reasons for the deviation of blood pressure from the norm. When do you need to seek medical help?

07.06.2019

Arterial hypertension during pregnancy is now being recorded more and more often. This is due to many factors. High blood pressure increases the risk of premature birth and complicates their course.

Arterial hypertension during pregnancy is the most common cause of maternal deaths during childbirth. Most women faced with this problem ask themselves: how to reduce blood pressure during pregnancy?

There are various options for treating hypertension and correcting blood pressure levels. It is necessary to periodically measure blood pressure and, if it rises, immediately seek medical attention from a doctor.

Causes and mechanism of development

There are many different theories for the development of hypertension in pregnant women. However, not all of them have been scientifically proven. In most cases, an increase in blood pressure is recorded in women who had a hypertensive status even before pregnancy.

In some cases, symptomatic arterial hypertension is detected, which develops against the background of diseases of other organs. Stressful situations and the corresponding reaction of the woman's body play a certain role in increasing the level of blood pressure. The more such situations, the higher the risk of developing hypertension and complications.

The human body constantly produces certain hormones and mediators. Depending on the balance of these substances and their interaction with each other, the state of a person is also determined.

The pressor system includes the sympathoadrenal, aldosterone, and renin-angiotensin systems. The depressor system includes the calicrein-kinin system and prostaglandins, which promote vasodilation.

Thus, if the action of the pressor systems predominates, then blood pressure rises, cardiac output increases, and peripheral vascular resistance increases, which leads to a thickening of the vascular wall. The increased work of the heart leads to the development of hypertrophy of the heart muscle, and in the future - to its relaxation and dilatation. The vessels of the kidneys are also affected, which leads to their ischemia, the production of angiotensin increases even more and the level of blood pressure rises.

In order to reduce the pressure during pregnancy, it is necessary to find out the cause and eliminate it or influence the pathogenetic links of the process.

Clinical manifestations of high blood pressure in pregnant women:

Headaches and dizziness;
General weakness and fatigue;
Perhaps the addition of a feeling of nausea and vomiting;
There may be pain in the chest;
Sleep disturbances and unreasonable feelings of anxiety;

Quite often, episodes of increased blood pressure are not accompanied by clinical manifestations, which is very dangerous for both the mother and the child.

How to lower blood pressure at home?

Every pregnant woman who has reported more than 2 cases of high blood pressure should consult a doctor and visit a health school. After a thorough examination, the doctor will be able to prescribe drug therapy and make recommendations regarding diet and exercise to prevent complications and premature birth.

There are methods that can be used to reduce blood pressure in a pregnant woman at home:

The thumb or forefinger is pressed on a point in the occipital region of the head and held for about 10 seconds, after which it is released. After a break (up to 30 seconds), press on the point again and hold it.
Ingestion of fresh beet or birch juice will help lower blood pressure. This method is also used to prevent the occurrence of hypertensive crises.
If the pressure increases, you need to squeeze and stretch the middle finger of your left hand with your right hand, then vice versa.
You can not strain your eyes during a hypertensive crisis (give up reading and watching TV for a while).
Doctors recommend following a diet that limits the intake of table salt to 5 g per day and the amount of animal and vegetable fats. You should increase the amount of vegetables, fruits, dairy products and cereals in your diet. Be wary of chocolate products, do not drink strong tea, etc.
Fresh vegetable salad can help lower blood pressure: carrots, raw beets and cabbage.
Normalization of sleep and rest. Sleep should be at least 10 hours a day.

The above methods of lowering blood pressure should not be used without first consulting a doctor!

After a complete clinical and laboratory examination, if necessary, the doctor prescribes drug therapy, which includes a specific antihypertensive drug or a combination thereof.

There may be certain indications for hospitalization of a pregnant woman in a hospital for treatment. Such readings are classified as absolute and relative.

This group also includes pathological changes in the central nervous system, in which case it is urgent to start parenteral administration of antihypertensive drugs.

Relative indications for hospitalization include the ineffectiveness of the prescribed treatment with antihypertensive drugs, the addition of signs of preeclampsia or pathology of the placental system, the need for an examination to clarify the genesis of hypertension.

Principles of drug treatment for high blood pressure in pregnant women

Among all medicinal antihypertensive drugs, there is not a single harmless drug for the fetus of a pregnant woman. The effect of many substances on the growth and intrauterine development of a child has not been studied. There is a classification of antihypertensive drugs according to the degree of negative impact on the child, which includes 5 categories:

It is recommended to start antihypertensive therapy with safe drugs that do not in any way affect the condition of the fetus, but give a slight hypotensive effect: mineral magnesium, calcium gluconate. These drugs belong to group A.
Vitamin therapy and some myotropic antispasmodics are used in the initial stages to reduce blood pressure in pregnant women.
In the first trimester of pregnancy, methyldopa and hydrochlorothiazide are allowed. These drugs are classified as category B (experimentally established a harmless effect on the fetus of an animal, studies on pregnant women have not been carried out).

Methyldopa should be taken at 250 mg. per day, gradually increasing the dose. However, it is not recommended to take the drug at 16 weeks of gestation, as it may adversely affect the fetal nervous system.

If drugs of category B do not give the expected effect, then they resort to prescribing calcium antagonists. They belong to group C (use only if the therapeutic effect outweighs the risk to the fetus). These include:

verapamil ();
nifedipine ();
amlodipine ().

You should not simultaneously prescribe nifedipine and magnesium sulfate, as there is a risk of developing an uncontrolled hypotensive state.

Beta-blockers are classified as drugs of category C. They do not have a teratogenic effect, but can lead to a delay in the intrauterine development of the fetus and a violation of its adaptive mechanisms in the future. The most selective and safe drug in this group is bisoprolol () at a dosage of 10 mg per day or labetalol.
If all of the above drugs do not have the desired effect and the blood pressure of the pregnant woman is still high, a centrally acting drug, clonidine, is prescribed. Clonidine belongs to category C drugs. You can start taking it from the third trimester.
Diuretics are prescribed only for strict indications, in particular hypothiazide (belongs to class B), since when using this drug, the volume of circulating blood does not increase. There is also a high risk of electrolyte disturbances and kidney dysfunction.

Relief of hypertensive crisis in pregnant women

If the blood pressure level in a pregnant woman is higher than 170 to 110 mm Hg, then immediate medical correction is required. To do this, use the following drugs:

Beginning therapy with hydralazine at a dose of 5 mg, administered intravenously or 10 mg - intramuscularly. If no effect is observed, then after 20 minutes the drug is injected again in the same dosage. After reducing the pressure, it is necessary to repeat the introduction after 3 hours.
If there is no effect after taking hydralazine, it is necessary to use labetalol at a dose of 20 mg, injected intravenously or intramuscularly, then re-enter 40 mg after 10 minutes and 80 mg after another 10 minutes. If the pressure has not decreased, you need to switch to another drug.
Nifedipine is taken twice with an interval of 30 minutes in the form of a tablet at a dosage of 10 mg.

High blood pressure in pregnant women is common and, unfortunately, very dangerous. Hypertension of pregnant women in Russian-speaking countries is observed in 5-30% of cases, in Western Europe - about 15%. It creates big problems for both the mother and the fetus. If you are pregnant and measurements have shown that your blood pressure is increasing, then this problem should be taken as seriously as possible. First of all, put together a team of good doctors who will take care of you. If they offer to go to the hospital in advance, just in case, agree.

At the same time, there is no need to panic. Reducing blood pressure to normal in a pregnant woman is real. Moreover, it may be even easier than you think, and without harm to the course of pregnancy. First of all, it is worth trying the natural therapies, which are described below. They control hypertension without harmful side effects for the mother and unborn child. You probably won't need strong pills or injections. In case "chemistry" is still needed, we give the most detailed information about it too.

This article is for pregnant women who have high blood pressure and their relatives. I don't want to scare you again. But you need to fully understand how serious this situation is. Therefore, the possible negative outcomes are listed below.

What complications often cause hypertension in pregnant women:

detachment of a normally located placenta, massive bleeding;
cerebrovascular accident in a pregnant woman;
detachment of the retina that leads to blindness;
preeclampsia and eclampsia (convulsions, deadly);
delayed fetal development;
low assessment of the newborn on the Apgar scale;
asphyxia (suffocation) and fetal death.

Drinking a pill for pressure, which will be at hand, and then continue to go about your business - this is absolutely impossible to do during pregnancy. Because hypertension poses a significant risk to the fetus and to the mother herself. If you choose the wrong pills for pressure, then this can have a teratogenic effect, that is, disrupt the development of the fetus. Seeing a doctor is absolutely essential. Moreover, it should be a sensible doctor, not the first one to come across. You can even take it only after he gives the “go-ahead”. And even more so, any other drugs for pressure.

Arterial hypertension in pregnant women - when is the systolic "upper" pressure? 140 mm Hg and / or diastolic “bottom” pressure? 90 mmHg Art. To confirm the diagnosis, you need to take at least 2-3 measurements at intervals of at least 4 hours.

If the systolic “top” pressure is> 160 mmHg. and / or diastolic “bottom” pressure> 110 mm Hg. Art., then this is severe hypertension. If the systolic "upper" pressure is 140-159 mm Hg. and / or diastolic "bottom" pressure 90-110 mm Hg. Art., then a pregnant woman has moderate hypertension. In severe hypertension, you should immediately prescribe potent pills, potentially dangerous to the fetus. If the hypertension is moderate and there is no significant risk of complications, then it is recommended to take tests, continue to be monitored by doctors, but do not rush to take the pills.

Normally, from the first weeks of pregnancy until the end of the first trimester, a woman's blood pressure decreases. This happens because the vascular tone is significantly reduced. By the end of the first trimester, blood pressure is minimal and then remains stably low throughout the second trimester. In comparison with the indicators before pregnancy, during this period the systolic "upper" pressure decreases by 10-15 mm Hg, and the diastolic "lower" - by 5-15 mm Hg. However, in the third trimester, the pressure rises again. By the time of delivery, it usually reaches the level it was before pregnancy, or even 10-15 mm Hg. exceeds it.

Until recently, arterial hypertension was diagnosed if a pregnant woman's “upper” pressure increased by 30 mm Hg. Art. from its normal level and / or diastolic “lower” - by 15 mm Hg. Art. For example, your blood pressure was usually 100/65 mm Hg before pregnancy. Art., and then suddenly increased to 130/82 mm Hg. Art. Previously, this situation was considered pregnancy hypertension. However, since 2013, this diagnostic criterion has been excluded from all international official recommendations.

Essential pressure pills for pregnant women(do not take it arbitrarily!)

A drug	Dose	Comments (1)
	0.5-3.0 g / day, 2-3 doses	It is not recommended at 16-20 weeks of gestation because it can affect fetal dopaminergic receptors
Labetalol	200-1200 mg / day, 2-3 divided doses	May contribute to intrauterine growth retardation
	30-300 mg / day, sustained-release tablets	Causes tachycardia. It is especially risky to take at the same time as magnesium sulfate (magnesia).
Cardio-selective beta-blockers (,)	depends on the drug	High doses increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in newborns. May decrease placental blood flow.
	6.25-12.5 mg / day	May decrease blood volume and lower potassium levels (hypokalemia)

Medicines for hypertension contraindicated in pregnant women

Note. Accidental intake of the medications listed above is not a reason to be too worried and even more so to have an abortion right away. You need to stop swallowing illegal drugs. See your doctor to prescribe the “correct” pressure pills instead. Next, you need to conduct an ultrasound of the fetus as planned - 12 weeks and 19-22 weeks.

Insulin resistance is the cause of hypertension in pregnant women in 95% of cases. The remaining 5% have a different cause, and this is called secondary arterial hypertension. Almost 3% of pregnant women develop hypertension due to kidney disease. Uh? of these, the blood supply to the kidneys is impaired due to vascular problems - renovascular hypertension. The rest? - damage to kidney tissue, i.e. renoparenchymal arterial hypertension. Renal hypertension is very common. Therefore, doctors automatically prescribe many of their pregnant patients to undergo an ultrasound of the kidneys and ultrasound Doppler ultrasound of the renal vessels.

In addition to insulin resistance and kidney problems, high blood pressure in pregnant women can cause:

magnesium deficiency in the body;
poisoning with heavy metals - lead, mercury, cadmium;
excessive consumption of table salt;
taking certain medications.

Rare but severe causes of secondary hypertension: thyroid problems, acromegaly, Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome, primary hyperaldosteronism, pheochromocytoma. Read more in the article “”. These causes of hypertension are especially likely in young women. Therefore, young pregnant women suffering from high blood pressure require particularly careful examination.

What is gestational hypertension, preeclampsia and eclampsia

There are the following options for high blood pressure in pregnant women:

Chronic arterial hypertension.
Gestational hypertension.
Preeclampsia.
Eclampsia.

Chronic hypertension - the woman's blood pressure was high already at the planning stage or began to increase in the early stages, before the 20th week of pregnancy. This is despite the fact that in the first and second trimesters, blood pressure should normally decrease. Among young women, the prevalence of chronic hypertension is low. But with increasing age, its frequency increases. Among pregnant women aged 30-39 years, chronic hypertension is observed in 6-22% of women.

If a woman suffers from hypertension and takes pills for pressure, then doctors usually categorically discourage planning pregnancy. They are right because the risk of complications is extremely high. And these are deadly complications, and not some kind of pimple. If a hypertensive woman decides to become pregnant, then she creates significant problems for herself, her family, and doctors will not be bored either.

If you have chronic hypertension, it is best not to get pregnant. Consider adoption or custody. Appreciate what you already have.

Gestational hypertension is when an increase in blood pressure is first recorded after the 20th week of pregnancy. At the same time, there is no protein in the analysis of daily urine, or there is very little of it. Having discovered gestational hypertension, doctors will continue to carefully monitor and force the pregnant woman to be tested frequently. This is necessary in order to immediately take action if the situation suddenly starts to deteriorate.

If more than 0.3 grams of protein is excreted in the urine per day, then this is already preeclampsia - the next stage. Severe preeclampsia can cause the negative pregnancy outcomes listed above. Gestational hypertension turns into preeclampsia in 50% of cases. The main diagnostic criterion is the appearance of protein in the urine of more than 0.3 grams per day. But edema does not mean that preeclampsia has developed. Because the incidence of edema is 60%, even if the pregnancy is normal.

Diagnostics

Blood pressure measurements should be taken after a 5-minute rest, with the pregnant woman sitting in a comfortable position. It is assumed that during the previous hour she did not perform any vigorous physical work. The cuff of a tonometer is usually required 12-13 cm wide and 30-35 cm long, i.e. medium in size. If the shoulder circumference is unusual - too large or, on the contrary, small - then a special cuff is needed. Because in such cases, a conventional cuff will give a significant error in the results.

The tonometer cuff is placed on the arm in such a way that its lower edge is 2 cm above the elbow bend, and at least 80% of the shoulder circumference is covered. The gold standard for pressure measurement accuracy is when the doctor listens to the pulse with a stethoscope. But you can also use an ordinary home blood pressure monitor - automatic or semi-automatic.

Need advice from specialist doctors:

therapist (cardiologist);
neurologist;
ophthalmologist.

Surveys:

electrocardiogram;
daily monitoring of blood pressure;
ultrasound dopplerography of the kidney vessels;
transcranial Doppler ultrasonography of the vessels of the base of the brain;
periorbital Doppler sonography (also to assess cerebral blood flow).

complete blood count + schizocytes;
general urine analysis;
biochemical blood test (+ albumin, AST, ALT, lactate dehydrogenase, uric acid);
hemostasiogram + D-dimer;
Rehberg's test + daily proteinuria (protein in the urine) + microalbuminuria (small-diameter protein molecules in the urine).

Typical changes in test results with the development of preeclampsia

Laboratory indicators	Changes in the development of preeclampsia
Hemoglobin and hematocrit	These indicators increase due to the fact that the blood thickens. The stronger, the more severe the preeclampsia. However, if hemolysis develops, then the indicators decrease. But this also means an unfavorable course.
Leukocytes	Neutrophilic leukocytosis
Platelets	The indicator is decreasing. If less than 100 x 109 / L, then this is a sign of the development of severe preeclampsia.
Peripheral blood smear	The presence of erythrocyte fragments (schizocytosis, spherocytosis) indicates the development of hemolysis in severe preeclampsia
Hemostasiogram	Signs of disseminated intravascular coagulation
Serum creatinine, Reberg test	If the amount of urine excreted decreases, while the glomerular filtration rate of the kidneys decreases or, on the contrary, increases, then this is a sign of severe preeclampsia.
Uric acid	Elevated blood uric acid levels mean a significant risk of difficult labor and predict the transition of gestational hypertension to preeclampsia
AsAT, AlAT	An increase indicates severe preeclampsia.
Lactate dehydrogenase	Increases if hemolysis develops
Serum albumin	Decreases
Serum bilirubin	Increased due to hemolysis or liver damage
Microalbuminuria	If found, then perhaps soon there will be proteinuria.
Proteinuria	If hypertension during pregnancy is accompanied by the appearance of protein in the urine, then this should be considered as preeclampsia until proven otherwise.

Notes to the table:

Hemoglobin is a protein in the blood that contains iron and carries oxygen to tissues. Erythrocytes are rich in hemoglobin.
Red blood cells are red blood cells. They saturate with oxygen in the lungs, and then carry it throughout the body.
Hematocrit is the part of the blood volume that falls on erythrocytes.
Hemolysis is the destruction of red blood cells with the release of hemoglobin into the blood (an unfavorable process). With hemolysis, the hematocrit decreases.
DIC syndrome (disseminated intravascular coagulation) is impaired blood coagulation due to massive release of thromboplastic substances from the tissues.
Serum creatinine and Rehberg's test are tests that show how well the kidneys are working.
AsAT, ALAT - enzymes, an increased level of which means problems with the heart and liver.
Lactate dehydrogenase is an enzyme involved in the oxidation of glucose.
Microalbuminuria is the appearance in the urine of albumin, protein molecules of the smallest diameter. They are the first to appear in urine with kidney problems.
Proteinuria - protein molecules with a diameter larger than albumin are found in the urine. Indicates that kidney disease is progressing.

Based on the results of examinations and tests, doctors decide whether a pregnant woman has moderate or severe preeclampsia. This is a matter of principle. If the preeclampsia is moderate, then the patient is admitted to the hospital and closely monitored. But at the same time, a woman can continue to carry a child. And if the condition is serious, then the patient is stabilized, and then the question of immediate artificial childbirth is decided. In any case, hospitalization for preeclampsia is necessary.

Criteria for the severity of preeclampsia

Index	Moderate
Arterial hypertension	140/90 mm Hg	> 160/110 mm Hg
Proteinuria	> 0.3 g, but< 5 г/сутки	> 5 g / day
Blood creatinine		> 100 μmol / L
Blood albumin	norm / reduced
Decrease in the amount of daily urine (oliguria)	absent	<500 мл/сут
Liver dysfunction	absent	increasing ALAT, ASAT
Platelets in the blood	norm / reduced
Hemolysis	absent
Neurological symptoms	absent
Fetal growth retardation

How to lower blood pressure in a pregnant woman

The purpose of measures to reduce pressure in pregnant women is to prevent complications for the mother and fetus during pregnancy and during childbirth. In particular, it is desirable to prevent the transition of hypertension to. An additional goal is to minimize the overall risk of cardiovascular diseases in the long term.

For the treatment of hypertension in pregnant women, first of all, the transition to a healthy lifestyle is used, and then drugs. In the first half of pregnancy, blood pressure naturally decreases. This also happens in many women with chronic hypertension. In this case, they can temporarily stop taking pressure pills. If later the pressure rises to 150/95 mm Hg. Art. and higher, then taking antihypertensive drugs should be resumed.

Doctors and patients are interested in two main questions:

What is the optimal blood pressure level during pregnancy?
What to drink for pregnant women with pressure? Which drugs are better for reducing the risk of preeclampsia?

Unfortunately, there are still no serious clinical trials on both of these pressing issues and therefore there are no official recommendations. However, it is obvious that they do help. Moreover, they are harmless to pregnant women. Read more about them below.

Recall that gestational hypertension is the first detected increase in blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It is assumed that before pregnancy and in the first half of it, the woman's blood pressure was normal. If gestational hypertension is detected, then the patient is often immediately admitted to the hospital in order to monitor her condition, clarify the diagnosis and reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia. Treatment activities begin quickly.

If hypertension of the I-II degree (blood pressure? 180/110 mm Hg), then the prognosis of carrying a pregnancy is usually favorable. But the patient needs close medical supervision and active treatment.

If therapy gives a result, that is, the pressure is moderately increased and the functional parameters of the fetus are stable, then the doctors may decide not to keep the pregnant woman in the hospital. In this case, she must visit a doctor every day (!) To monitor the course of pregnancy. However, at the first sign, a woman should be hospitalized immediately. She is examined, blood and urine tests are taken to determine the severity of the disease, the condition of the fetus, and the development of further obstetric tactics.

Taking medicines for hypertension can reduce placental blood flow, which is harmful to the fetus. Therefore, a woman with preeclampsia is hospitalized and treated in a hospital in order to monitor the condition of the fetus on a daily basis. Blood pressure is monitored not once, but several times during the day. They also monitor the general well-being of the woman, symptoms and test indicators. The goal is to prolong the pregnancy, prepare for childbirth and carry it out as planned. However, if there are signs of deterioration in the condition of the mother or fetus, then immediate delivery is carried out, that is, artificial childbirth.

If preeclampsia developed against the background of chronic hypertension, i.e., the pressure was increased even before pregnancy, then the principles of treatment are the same. This is a more difficult situation, so pregnant women are often required to prescribe powerful combination pills for pressure or 2-3 drugs at the same time. Patients with chronic arterial hypertension are much more likely to have adverse pregnancy outcomes than women with gestational hypertension.

Lifestyle change

As you know, lifestyle changes are the main intervention for the treatment of hypertension, and medications are in second place. However, recommendations for pregnant women are not at all the same as for other categories of patients. Traditionally, doctors recommend a low-calorie diet to lose weight and get rid of hypertension. A low-calorie diet is absolutely not suitable for pregnant women. Also, significant physical activity is not recommended for pregnant women, especially for women with high blood pressure. At the same time, a sedentary lifestyle is harmful to both the mother and the fetus. Outdoor walks and aerobic exercise at a calm pace are helpful. Avoid stressful situations carefully.

Officially, pregnant women are advised to eat a diet rich in vitamins, minerals and proteins to reduce blood pressure. Unofficially, but very effective for hypertension helps. However, during pregnancy, overdoing it can cause ketosis, fetal malformations, or miscarriage. Therefore, follow a low-carb diet, but eat fruits, carrots, and beets every day. Eliminate all other foods that are loaded with carbohydrates that are on the prohibited list. Fruits, carrots, and beets contain moderate amounts of carbohydrates that will keep ketosis out. Also vitamins and minerals will help the child develop.

During pregnancy, it is not recommended to limit table salt in the diet in order to lower blood pressure. Because reducing salt intake decreases blood volume, it can disrupt blood supply to the placenta. You need to be careful for women who suffered from chronic hypertension even before pregnancy, who know for sure that salt dramatically increases their blood pressure. This is called “salt-sensitive hypertension patients”. You can salt food, but still try not to oversalt.

Smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited. Smoking in pregnant women dramatically increases the risk that hypertension will turn into.

What can pregnant women get from pressure: medications

With a moderate increase in blood pressure in pregnant women, studies have not proven the benefits of taking "chemical" pills. The risk of development, premature birth, birth of weak children, perinatal mortality did not decrease. The course of pregnancy and its outcomes did not improve. This means that at an arterial pressure of 140-159 / 90-109 mm Hg. Art. one should not rush to prescribe medications, except for magnesium tablets with vitamin B6. Unless there are problems with the heart, kidneys, liver, etc., and the test results are more or less normal.

What to drink for a pregnant woman with pressure - do not decide this issue yourself! The final decision on the prescription of medications should be made only by a doctor. Taking any pills without permission is extremely dangerous!

Medication for hypertension, acting 12-24 hours

Simultaneously with the measures for providing emergency care to a pregnant woman, they are prescribed pills for hypertension, which act for a long time, smoothly and stably. The goal is to prevent the recurrence of sudden pressure surges.

Magnesia (magnesium sulfate, MgSO4) is not officially considered a cure for hypertension. However, if it is severe, it is recommended to administer it to prevent seizures. The dosage regimen for magnesium is intravenous only, preferably using a pump. Loading dose of 4-6 g of dry matter (possible scheme - 20 ml of 25% solution - 5 g of dry matter) for 5-10 minutes; maintenance dose - 1-2 g of dry matter per hour. We strongly recommend starting early to relieve hypertension and prevent preeclampsia. These pills greatly reduce the risk that doctors will have to use a potent drug. Pre-coordinate the intake of magnesium-B6 with your doctor!

Pressure pills that are prescribed during pregnancy

A drug	Release form, doses	Note
	Tablets 250 mg. Inside 500 mg - 2000 mg per day. The average therapeutic dose is 1500 mg per day, in 2-3 doses. The maximum daily dose in the US recommendations is 3000 mg, in the European recommendations - 4000 mg.	First line drug for high blood pressure in pregnant women in most countries. There were no adverse effects in animal experiments, as well as an association between the drug and birth defects when used in the first trimester in humans. Has been studied in numerous studies compared to other blood pressure medications and placebo. The long-term effects on the development of children were studied.
	Tablets of 0.075 / 0.150 mg. The maximum single dose is 0.15 mg, the maximum daily dose is 0.6 mg. Note that the maximum daily dose in the European guidelines is 1.2 mg.	It can be used as a third-line drug for hypertension resistant to the action of other drugs. The safety data for clonidine are conflicting. No adverse effects on the fetus have been identified. However, there are few observations, especially in the first trimester (59 women). There are numerous side effects: weakness, drowsiness, dizziness, anxiety, depression, dry mouth, anorexia, dyspepsia.
	Extended release tablets - 20 mg, modified release tablets - 30/40/60 mg. The average daily dose is 40-90 mg in 1-2 doses, depending on the form of release. The maximum daily dose is 120 mg. Not to be confused with fast-acting nifedipne for relief of hypertensive crises.	The most studied representative of calcium antagonists for hypertension. Recommended for use in pregnant women as a first or second choice drug. Sufficient experience has been accumulated. Use with caution simultaneously with MgSO4 magnesium - cases of hypotension, suppression of myocardial contractility, myocardial infarction and neuromuscular blockade have been described. However, practice shows the permissibility of simultaneous reception. The actual incidence of neuromuscular blockade is less than 1%.
	5/10 mg tablets. Inside 5-10 mg once a day.	In an experiment on animals, no harmful effects on the fetus were found. It is used in pregnant women in Russia and in the United States, despite the fact that there are no well-designed clinical trials for use during pregnancy.
Nicardipine		In an experiment on animals, no teratogenicity was detected, but dose-dependent embryotoxicity was found. There are data from single studies on the use during pregnancy (II, III trimester), there were no adverse perinatal effects.
Nimodipine	Not approved for use during pregnancy in Russian-speaking countries	Studied in a multicenter, open-label study of 1650 women with severe preeclampsia compared with magnesium sulfate. Treatment outcomes for newborns did not differ.
Isradipin	Not registered in Russian-speaking countries	In an experiment on animals, no teratogenicity was revealed. In small studies with a short follow-up period, the safety of use during pregnancy has been shown.
	Tablets 2.5 / 5/10 mg. Inside 2.5-10 mg 1 time per day. The maximum daily dose is 20 mg.	The drug is teratogenic in rabbits. There are isolated reports (3 observations) on the use during pregnancy.
	40/80 mg tablets, 240 mg prolonged-release tablets. Inside, 40-240 mg 1-2 times a day, depending on the form of release. The maximum daily dose is 480 mg per day.	In an experiment on animals, no teratogenicity was revealed. It is used as an antihypertensive and antiarrhythmic drug. There are small studies on use during pregnancy, including in the first trimester, that did not show an increase in risk.
	50/100 mg tablets. Inside, 25-50 mg 2 times a day.	Not recommended for use in pregnant women in Germany, Australia, Canada. In a small study of 33 women, atenolol was associated with low birth weight. This result was confirmed in several larger studies, with the most pronounced negative effect noted in women who started taking the drug in early pregnancy and received it for a long time.
	Tablets 25/50/100/200 mg. Inside, 25-100 mg 1-2 times a day. The maximum dose is 200 mg per day.	Currently, it is the drug of choice for hypertension in pregnant women, if it is advisable to prescribe a beta-blocker. The studies did not report the symptoms and signs of beta-receptor blockade in fetuses and newborns. In a placebo-controlled study, when using metoprolol, no data were obtained indicating a negative effect of the drug on fetal development.
		In a small study, which included 87 women with chronic hypertension, the effectiveness of bisoprolol from the second trimester of pregnancy was shown.
	5/10 mg tablets. Inside 5-10 mg once a day. The maximum daily dose is 20 mg.	In Russia, a report was published on the successful use of betaxolol in pregnant women with hypertension (42 patients). The long-term effects on the development of children (15 children, 2 years) were also studied.
	5 mg tablets. Inside 2.5-5 mg 1 time per day. The maximum daily dose is 10 mg.	The domestic medical literature contains data on the use of nebivolol in humans during pregnancy. There were no adverse effects on the fetus, as well as on the health, growth and development of children during their first 18 months of life.
Acebutolol	Not registered in Russian-speaking countries	Isolated reports of studies on use during pregnancy, including in the first trimester.
Pindolol	5 mg tablets. Inside 5-30 mg per day in 2-3 doses. The maximum single dose is 20 mg. The maximum daily allowance is 60 mg.	Studies have shown safety for the fetus. No beta-blockade symptoms have been reported in fetuses or neonates. Did not affect the fetal heart rate in the experiment.
	40 mg tablets. Inside 80-160 mg per day in 2-3 doses. The maximum daily dose is 320 mg.	Many undesirable fetal and neonatal effects have been described when taking the drug - fetal growth retardation, hypoglycemia, bradycardia, polycythemia and other symptoms of β-blockade. Doses of 160 mg and above cause more serious complications, but low doses can be toxic.
Oxprenalol	Not registered in Russian-speaking countries	Published data from studies that indicate a low risk when used during pregnancy.
Nadolol	Tablets 80 mg. Inside 40-240 mg 1 time per day. The maximum dose is 320 mg per day.	There are data from single studies on the use during pregnancy, including in the first trimester. There are reports of symptoms of β-blockade in fetuses and newborns.
Timolol	Not registered in Russian-speaking countries (only eye drops)	Isolated reports on the use of the drug in women during pregnancy.
Labetalol	Not registered in Russian-speaking countries	It has vasodilating properties due to the blockade of vascular β-receptors. In many international recommendations, it is a first or second line drug for hypertension in pregnant women. Along with methyldopa, it is the most commonly prescribed antihypertensive drug for pregnant women in the world. Numerous studies have shown safety for the fetus. Did not affect the fetal heart rate in the experiment. Compared with beta-blockers, the ability to cross the placenta is poorly expressed. May cause neonatal hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when used in high doses.
Prazosin	1 / 5mg tablets. The initial dose is 0.5 mg, the target dose is 2-20 mg in 2-3 doses.	There are isolated reports of human use. Not recommended by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada (2008), due to a reported increase in stillbirths compared to nifedipine in one small study in the treatment of early severe hypertension. Recommended by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Australia and New Zealand (2008), along with nifedipine and hydralazine, as a second line drug.
Doxazosin	Inside, initial dose 1 mg, maximum - 16 mg	No reports of use in humans
	25 mg tablets. Inside 12.5-25 mg per day.	It can be used in chronic hypertension as a third-line drug. Most of the controlled studies included pregnant women with normal blood pressure who did not have hypertension. In 567 cases of observation of specific anomalies when used in the first trimester of pregnancy were not observed. Similar data were obtained when analyzing the Danish (232 pregnant women) and Scottish (73 patients) registries. However, in the recommendations of the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence in the UK (2010), use in the first trimester is not recommended. Fetal safety data are assessed as conflicting.
	40 mg tablets. Inside 20-80 mg per day	The use is justified if pregnancy is complicated by renal or heart failure.
	Tablets of 1.5 and 2.5 mg. Inside 1 time per day.	Data on the use of indapamide during pregnancy are limited - 46 observations of use in the first trimester.
Hydralazine	25 mg tablets. Inside 50-200 mg per day in 2-4 doses. The maximum dose is 300 mg per day.	There was no teratogenic effect in humans. It is used abroad to provide emergency care for severe hypertension during pregnancy. Not recommended for routine therapy. Cases of thrombocytopenia in the newborn and lupus syndrome in the mother have been described.
Isosorbide dinitrate	5 mg tablets.	There is little experience with the use of nitrates in gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, as well as as a tocolytic. No toxic effects on the fetus have been reported. The use of isosorbide dinitrate can reduce the risk of ischemia and heart attack with a decrease in blood pressure.

Among calcium antagonists for hypertension pregnant women are most often prescribed verapamil, amlodipine and especially long-acting nifedipine. Their side effects are nausea, headache, dizziness, allergic reactions, swelling of the legs, excessive lowering of blood pressure.

With regard to beta-blockers, in animal studies, no teratogenic effect was noted in any of the representatives of this group. However, in humans, when beta-blockers were prescribed, complications of newborns were recorded:

low blood sugar (hypoglycemia);
respiratory depression;
low blood pressure.

With beta-blockers, it is possible that childbirth will occur prematurely, but this is rare.

Benefits of beta blockers for the treatment of hypertension during pregnancy:

gradual onset of action;
the volume of circulating blood does not decrease;
do not cause orthostatic hypotension;
reduction in the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome in newborns.

Side effects:

heart rhythm disturbances (bradycardia);
bronchospasm;
weakness, drowsiness;
dizziness;
depression, anxiety (rare);
the possibility of developing a withdrawal syndrome.

Recall that ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor antagonists (sartans) are categorically not recommended for the treatment of hypertension in pregnant women.

Most often, for hypertension, pregnant women are prescribed:

methyldopu (dopegit);
extended-release nifedipine;
cardio-selective beta-blockers (primarily metoprolol).

Which drug helps better - there are no official recommendations. In the first trimester of pregnancy, it is allowed to use, first of all, methyldopa, nifedipine and labetalol. Atenolol is not recommended during pregnancy. If a woman has been treated for hypertension with ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers, then these drugs should be discontinued before pregnancy. And even more so, as soon as an unplanned pregnancy is diagnosed.

Why methyldopa is the most popular drug

Combined medicines for hypertension for pregnant women

In severe cases, pregnant women from pressure can and should take combination medications. These are several different drugs that must be drunk at the same time as prescribed by a doctor. They can be under one shell or 2-3 different tablets. Combination drug treatment of hypertension often requires lower doses of drugs and thus reduces the risk of side effects.

Two-component combination regimens for hypertension suitable for pregnant women:

methyldopa + calcium antagonist;
methyldopa + diuretic medicine;
methyldopa + beta blocker;
dihydropyridine calcium antagonist + beta-blocker;
dihydropyridine calcium antagonist + alpha-blocker;
dihydropyridine calcium antagonist + verapamil;
alpha-blocker + beta-blocker (this combination is used if the cause of hypertension is pheochromocytoma).

Schemes for the combined treatment of hypertension in pregnant women from three medicinal components:

methyldopa + dihydropyridine calcium antagonist + beta-blocker;
methyldopa + calcium antagonist + diuretic medicine;
methyldopa + beta blocker + diuretic medication;
a dihydropyridine calcium antagonist (usually nifedipine) + a beta-blocker + a diuretic (usually low-dose hydrochlorothiazide 6.25-12.5 mg / day).

Possible four-component circuits:

methyldopa + dihydropyridine calcium antagonist + beta-blocker + diuretic;
methyldopa + dihydropyridine calcium antagonist + beta-blocker + alpha-blocker;
+ dihydropyridine calcium antagonist + beta-blocker + diuretic + clonidine (clonidine).

When is hospitalization needed

If a woman has increased blood pressure during pregnancy or even earlier had chronic hypertension, then she is admitted to the hospital 3 times in a planned manner:

In the early stages up to 12 weeks - to resolve the issue of the possibility of carrying a pregnancy.
26-30 weeks. During this period, pregnancy creates maximum stress on the blood vessels. Usually, a correction of the pressure medication regimen is needed, which is carried out in a hospital.
2-3 weeks before delivery. Prepare for childbirth, determine the tactics of their conduct.

A pregnant woman should be immediately admitted to a hospital if the following circumstances or signs are identified:

Severe hypertension, blood pressure? 160/110 mm Hg.
High blood pressure was first discovered during pregnancy.
Analyzes or symptoms indicate the development of preeclampsia, the protein content in daily urine increases.

conclusions

In the article, we examined in detail the question of how to reduce pressure in a pregnant woman in order to prevent seizures and other complications. We discussed how to switch to a healthy lifestyle in order to better control hypertension, to create good conditions for the development of the fetus. Effectively helps with hypertension. Eliminate sugar, bread and flour products, potatoes and even cereals from your diet. This will quickly reduce the pressure to near normal. However, during pregnancy, it is imperative to eat fruits, beets and carrots so that there is no ketosis.

You have learned in detail which blood pressure pills can be taken by pregnant women, and which are categorically not suitable. Some medications are taken to quickly reduce blood pressure, while others are drunk daily so that there are no surges. In any case, do not take any pills on your own initiative! Taking medications without permission during pregnancy is extremely dangerous. It can lead to miscarriage, physical and mental malformations of the fetus. You need a doctor who can prescribe medication correctly. If you do not trust your doctor, contact another specialist.

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a common problem among women during pregnancy. It is impossible to ignore the signs of pathology, since this can harm not only the health of the mother, but also her unborn child. How to lower blood pressure during pregnancy, if most drugs are contraindicated for pregnant women?

Even in the early stages of pregnancy, due to hormonal imbalance, there may be sharp jumps in blood pressure with late toxicosis (gestosis). During the development of this disease, the placenta actively begins to produce compounds that create small holes in the blood vessels. Through the formed tunnels, plasma proteins can enter the surrounding tissues. This leads to swelling of the upper and lower extremities.

Note! The placenta that has undergone pathological changes cannot deliver the required amount of nutrients to the fetus, thereby ensuring its full nutrition. A complication of gestosis can be a miscarriage.

Also, hypertension leads to impaired blood circulation, as a result of which blood flow between the fetus and the mother's body deteriorates. Such violations lead to a deficiency of oxygen and nutrients for the fetus, which may lead to a delay in its development.

According to statistics, abrupt pressure surges predominantly occur at 26-30 weeks of gestation, which is associated with an increase in cardiac output. As a rule, such disorders are diagnosed in pregnant women suffering from excess weight. In a special situation, you need to regularly check blood pressure and make sure that its readings do not exceed 140/90 mm. rt. Art.

High blood pressure in the early stages

A woman has to deal with hormonal changes even in the early stages of pregnancy, and this affects the work of the whole body, in particular, the cardiovascular system. Therefore, we can say with confidence that early hypertension is practically the norm. But the tonometer readings should not be more than the specified norm, since this can lead to negative consequences.

At the initial stage, high blood pressure is extremely dangerous, since hypertension can provoke vasoconstriction and, as a result, a violation of metabolic functions in the body of the expectant mother.

High blood pressure in later stages

As noted earlier, women most often encounter pathology after 24-26 weeks of pregnancy, but in rare cases, hypertension can occur at a later date. The main factors contributing to increased blood pressure in pregnant women include the following:

the presence of craniocerebral trauma;
disorders in the thyroid gland;
age factor (the older a woman is, the higher the chances of developing hypertension);
being overweight (already mentioned);
severe stress;
development of kidney or biliary tract diseases;
high blood sugar.

By external signs, it is quite difficult to distinguish gestosis from ordinary arterial hypertension, therefore, when the first suspicious symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor. These signs include tinnitus, dizziness, swelling of the hands, and others.

Associated symptoms

To measure blood pressure, a special device is required - a tonometer. But not everyone has it, so it is important to learn how to recognize an increase in pressure by external signs. First of all, you need to pay attention to the following symptoms:

severe dizziness;

general weakness of the body, mood swings;
the formation of red spots on the body (they mainly occur in the chest area);
headache;
noise in ears;
attacks of nausea and vomiting, which are often attributed by pregnant women to toxicosis.

The appearance of at least one of the above symptoms should be the reason for an immediate referral to a specialist. These signs cannot be ignored during pregnancy.

Pressure reduction methods

There are several ways to normalize blood pressure during pregnancy:

pharmaceutical preparations;
folk remedies;
massotherapy;
diet.

Each of the methods is effective in its own way, but before using them, you should definitely consult with your doctor. This is done so that during the treatment of hypertension, the woman does not harm herself and the unborn baby. Let's consider each of the therapeutic methods separately.

Pharmacy preparations

With minor deviations from the norm, doctors prescribe medications designed to normalize the functioning of the central nervous system. These include "Kratal", "Novopassit" and "Valerian". But in difficult situations, these funds do not help, therefore, pregnant women, as a rule, are prescribed stronger drugs.

To lower blood pressure, the following are used:

"Normodipin", "Verapamil" and other drugs that block calcium channels. The active components contained in these funds are able to quickly bring down pressure;
a group of drugs of preferred use, referred to as the "drug of choice". They are prescribed for women at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy;
beta-blockers - used to stabilize blood pressure. The most effective of these are Nebivalol and Atenolol. But such drugs help to reduce the heart rate in a child, therefore they are used in extreme cases.

On a note! The drugs used to normalize blood pressure are prescribed only in cases where a pregnant woman will give birth on her own, and then only as a preventive measure. It must be remembered that the patient's state of health and the presence of hypertension affect the doctors' decision to carry out childbirth.

Folk remedies

Since doctors do not recommend taking synthetic drugs during pregnancy, you can fight high blood pressure with the help of traditional medicine.

Table. Reducing pressure with folk remedies.

Name of funds	Application
	To prepare the medicine, pour 200 g of pumpkin, cut into small cubes, with water and cook for 20 minutes over low heat. Mix the resulting broth with 1 tbsp. l. honey and take 2 times a day for 2 tbsp. l.
	Mix 50 g of ground product with 200 ml of warm water and consume the prepared mixture throughout the day. To achieve maximum effect, the product should be consumed before meals.
	Take a glass of berries and squeeze the juice out of them. For the recipe, you will need the remaining cake, which you need to pour in 300 ml of boiling water and cook for 5 minutes. Straining the medicine through cheesecloth, add 1 tbsp. l. semolina and 2 tbsp. l. Sahara. Stir all the ingredients thoroughly and drink the product 3 times a day, 20 ml.
	Peel a few leaves of aloe and squeeze the juice out of them with a blender. Dilute the resulting juice with water in a 1: 5 ratio. The finished product must be taken every day before breakfast.
	Another folk remedy for high blood pressure. To prepare the compress, you need to chop 6-8 cloves of garlic, pour boiling water and leave for 5 hours. Soak a piece of gauze in the broth and apply it to your feet, palms, or forehead.

During pregnancy, all actions must be coordinated with a cardiologist and a therapist. This will avoid unpleasant consequences, because some means of non-traditional therapy may have contraindications.

In parallel with the use of traditional medicine, experts recommend performing massage procedures aimed at stabilizing blood pressure. For this purpose, acupressure and hot water massage are used. When performing acupressure, you need to gently massage the area on the back of the head (at the junction of the head with the spine) with the fingertips. After 10 seconds of massaging, you need to make a short pause, and then repeat the procedure again.

Hot water massage also has a good therapeutic effect, helping to eliminate unpleasant symptoms associated with increased pressure. All actions are no different from acupressure, only during the manipulation a stream of warm water should be directed to the cervico-occipital region. The duration of the procedure is at least 5 minutes.

It is advisable to carry out massage therapy twice a day - in the morning and in the evening. This will relieve tension and ease the condition for the whole day. It is also recommended to use a moisturizer during acupressure.

Diet

If, while carrying a child, your blood pressure often begins to rise, then along with therapeutic methods it is necessary to switch to a healthy diet. The high blood pressure diet consists of avoiding or limiting the amount of the following foods:

table salt (no more than 5 g of this product can be consumed per day);
cigarettes and alcoholic beverages - this must definitely be abandoned, and experts recommend doing this even before pregnancy;
fatty fish and meat, mushrooms;
various canned food and smoked meats;
spicy and spicy food;
energy drinks, strong coffee or tea;
foods containing potassium and magnesium (cabbage, beets, bananas, dried fruits, pistachios and nuts).

Note! A properly composed diet must necessarily contain useful minerals and vitamins. Therefore, every day there should be fresh vegetable salads on the table. Also, with increased pressure, a drinking regimen must be observed (a woman must drink at least 1.5 liters of clean water per day).

Prevention of hypertension

Even if there are no precursors of hypertension, during pregnancy, pressure for some uncontrollable reason can still jump sharply. Therefore, all these probabilities must be minimized. So that there are no sharp surges in blood pressure during pregnancy, you need to follow some recommendations:

avoidance of stressful situations;
regular physical activity. It is useful for pregnant women to take daily walks in the fresh air, go to yoga for pregnant women or special physical education;
compliance with the rest and sleep regimen (this will allow the body to recover well, because in this position it is forced to work for two);
adherence to a healthy diet (fatty, fried, smoked and salty foods should be excluded from the diet);
refusal from coffee and other harmful drinks.

If, while carrying a child, a woman first encountered such a phenomenon as high blood pressure, then it is impossible to look for methods to lower it and self-medicate. Taking pills, even if they helped your neighbor or friend to cope with the symptoms of hypertension, is strongly discouraged. The first thing to do if the pressure rises during pregnancy is to seek help from your doctor. He will be able to find out the cause of this condition and solve the problem that has arisen.

We must not forget that in the later stages of pregnancy, high blood pressure can lead to serious complications, therefore, in such cases, medical supervision is required. If the doctor decides to hospitalize the expectant mother, then challenging his decision or writing a refusal will not be the best decision.

Video - High blood pressure during pregnancy

Many women, being in an interesting position, have health problems. Therefore, it is very important to take care of yourself and register with a gynecologist when the first signs of fetal conception appear. Often there is high blood pressure during pregnancy in women who suffer from chronic diseases of the cardiovascular and digestive systems. This is due to the disruption of the normal functioning of internal organs.

Reasons for deviating blood pressure from the norm

Usually, a pregnant woman immediately senses any. This is accompanied by the manifestation of unpleasant sensations. High or low blood pressure during pregnancy can be caused by:

Both low and high blood pressure during pregnancy can be hazardous to the health of both the mother and the baby. Therefore, you must always monitor its performance. It is possible to measure blood pressure during pregnancy at home using modern medical equipment. The procedure takes a few minutes. Below is a table of indicators at different stages of pregnancy.

Hypertension is said when a woman carrying a child has blood pressure above 140/90 for a sufficiently long period of time. This is often seen in the third trimester of pregnancy. Hypotension is diagnosed at pressure readings of 100/60 and below. This is in most cases noted in the early stages of pregnancy.

Symptoms of high blood pressure

When the first signs of an illness appear, do not jump to conclusions. First of all, you need to seek help from a specialist. Hypertension usually presents with the following symptoms:

With hypertension, tachycardia, a constant feeling of anxiety, irritability, and frequent and abrupt mood changes can also be noted.

Arterial hypertension increases the risk of stroke if a pregnant woman resolves.

The disease must be treated in a medical center under the strict supervision of specialists. Hypertension in some cases during pregnancy can be fatal, both for the mother and the baby.

General principles of performance reduction

When a woman registers with a gynecologist, the doctor gives her a clear indication of what to do throughout the entire period of childbearing. There are rules that a pregnant woman must follow in order to maintain good health for herself and her baby.

Lifestyle

First of all, it is necessary to give up all bad habits - smoking, alcohol, drugs. Hiking in the fresh air for several hours is recommended daily. Since high blood pressure in pregnant women is most often observed with overexertion, women in an interesting position should have good rest. During work, take short breaks, sleep from 8 to 10 hours, avoid heavy and medium physical exertion.

Requirements for food and its receptions

Arterial hypertension can be exacerbated by improper diet. Therefore, you should give up fried, smoked, fatty foods, instant foods, canned food and fast foods.

You need to give preference to vegetables and fruits, lean meat and fish, milk, etc. Food should be taken in small portions of 200-300 kcal 6-8 times a day.

Drinking regimen

It is considered normal to take liquid for pregnant women 1.5-2 liters per day. It is not recommended to drink food or drink at night. It is worth giving up sugary carbonated drinks. Water, tea, compote, fruit drink can be drunk in small sips of 200 ml at a time.

What can you do at home?

Treatment of hypertension is best done in a hospital clinic. At home, you can reduce the pressure for a while in order to alleviate the condition a little and wait for the doctor to arrive. Hypertension that occurs during pregnancy is treated with medication.

Medicines that increase blood pressure:

Papazol (taken orally 1-2 tablets 2-3 times a day). Price - 10-40 rubles.
Dopegit (oral administration of 250 mg once a day). Price - 236 rubles.

The pressure during pregnancy in this case can also be reduced by using folk remedies. Several recipes for improving hypertension:

Foods that help normalize blood pressure during pregnancy - beets, persimmons, green tea, mint, garlic.

Treatment of arterial hypertension using folk remedies also needs to be agreed with your doctor. Foods that are allergic are strictly prohibited.

They will not help normalize blood pressure, but they can provoke the development of other diseases of internal organs.

Emergency help with a jump in blood pressure

The woman must be placed on the bed so that her head is higher than the body. If she is conscious, she can take a half-sitting position.

Cover the pregnant woman with a blanket or blanket and open the windows in the room to provide fresh air.

If it's hot outside, you can throw it over the sore sheet. It is also allowed to give a woman a drug to lower the pressure, which she took earlier.

Self-medication is dangerous for the health of a pregnant woman and her baby.

When should you see a doctor right away? To which?

It is worth going to the antenatal clinic for examination strictly according to the schedule established by a specialist, as well as in case of a deterioration in health. Any discomfort - pains, spasms, sleep disturbances, bad mood, etc. - can be a reason for seeking help from a doctor. At any stage of pregnancy, you should not refuse hospitalization, if necessary.

Prophylaxis

Arterial hypertension can be avoided by following a few simple rules. Doctors recommend:

You need to try to take time for yourself. Thus, it is possible to prevent not only pressure surges, but also the manifestations of other ailments.

Low blood pressure symptoms

Hypotension also provokes serious complications for the health of the child and mother, like hypertension. Symptoms of low blood pressure include:

Treatment of hypotension should be immediate, since a pregnant woman may be disturbed by attacks of suffocation, loss of consciousness, and disruption of the brain. As a result, the following complications appear - heart attack, stroke, vegetative-vascular dystonia, arrhythmia, etc.

Health risks for mom and baby

As with arterial hypertension, low blood pressure in a pregnant woman is dangerous for serious complications. This has a number of negative consequences. These include:

For a long time, a woman may not notice signs of low blood pressure, so it is worth periodically measuring its indicators. This will help you start treatment faster.

Pressure normalization methods

Taking any drugs should be prescribed only by a doctor on the basis of a comprehensive diagnosis of the patient. Tablets that are recommended to drink to lower the pressure of a pregnant woman:

Aspirin (1-2 tablets 2-3 times a day). Price - 25 rubles.
Citramon. (1 tablet once a day). Price - 30 rubles.

Folk remedies that are used to increase blood pressure:

Products with which it is possible to increase blood pressure - carrots, currants, lemon, cattle liver, etc.

It is considered useful for a long time (better throughout pregnancy) to consume citrus fruits, but in small quantities. Both the attending gynecologist and the nutritionist can draw up a menu for a pregnant woman.

It is better to coordinate the daily diet (all food products) with a specialist so as not to harm either yourself or the child.

How to provide first aid?

With a sharp decrease in pressure, a woman must be laid on a hard surface and a roller should be placed under her legs so that they are above the body. Then you should provide an inflow of fresh air. It is allowed to do a light neck massage.

When to see a specialist

It is imperative to go for an examination at the antenatal clinic in the following situations - if you feel unwell (muscle weakness, blurred vision, etc.), decreased ability to work, change in habitual behavior and appetite, weight jumps and other cases that cause suspicion of illness.

How to avoid negative consequences?

To protect yourself from the development of hypotension, you should adhere to the same rules of behavior as in. That is, it is recommended to monitor your health all the time and periodically visit doctors of various specializations.

In contact with

Hypertension at any time of gestation has a negative effect on the mother and child. Lowering the pressure during pregnancy means creating the right conditions for the intrauterine development of the child. Hypertension in women can be treated at home in several safe ways.

Why is hypertension in pregnant women dangerous?

Already in the early stages, the restructuring of the hormonal background can cause increased blood pressure with the development of gestosis. In this pathology, the placenta produces substances that form microscopic holes in the vessels through which plasma and protein penetrate into the surrounding tissues. Increased vascular permeability causes swelling of the legs and arms.

The altered placenta is not able to provide nutrition to the fetus. The consequence of gestosis may be a miscarriage.

Even in the absence of preeclampsia, hypertension worsens blood flow between the mother and the fetus. This entails a lack of nutrients and oxygen for the embryo. As a result, its development is delayed. Pressure rises more often at 28–32 weeks of gestation due to increased cardiac output. In most cases, this occurs in overweight pregnant women. A woman should make sure that blood pressure (BP) does not rise above 140/90 mm. rt. Art.

How to lower blood pressure

Due to the risk of taking pills, non-drug treatments are preferred. These include, first of all, the normalization of rest and sleep. A woman should sleep 8-9 hours at night, and rest 1-2 hours during the day. A prerequisite is the exclusion of psycho-emotional stress. In a calm state, the vessels relax, which leads to a decrease in blood pressure according to the law of physics.

You need to monitor your weight. During pregnancy, a woman should not add more than 10-12 kg.

Moderate hypertension is usually managed without medication. You can lower your blood pressure in a variety of ways:

Correct diet.
Physical methods - yoga and gymnastics for pregnant women.
Massage, including acupressure.
Cool shower.
Folk ways.
Psychotherapy.

Regular physical activity with moderate exertion for weeks normalizes blood pressure. Cyclic exercise in the form of walking at a calm pace is preferable.

Full rest, correct daily routine, walks in the fresh air train the heart and blood vessels. The ejection of blood by the left ventricle decreases with each contraction, which is one of the mechanisms of pressure reduction.

Drug therapy for pregnant women

Antihypertensive drugs are used when the diastolic pressure rises above 90 mm. You just need to remember that with a strong decrease in blood pressure, placental circulation is disturbed.

According to the modern point of view on the treatment of hypertension in pregnant women, doctors prescribe drugs:

Saluretics-diuretics (Hypothiazide). The drugs in this group have advantages. Although they cross the placenta, they do not harm the fetus.

By the way! The exception is Furosemide, which has a negative effect on the child. With long-term therapy, it is not used, but it is administered intravenously in acute cases - with hypertensive crisis, pulmonary edema.

Potassium-sparing diuretics (Veroshpiron) are not used due to the lack of a hypotensive effect.

During pregnancy, Dopegit is successfully used to reduce pressure in usual dosages for 10 days.
High blood pressure also reduces Clonidine, the dose of which must be reduced before discontinuation at the end of the course of treatment.
For planned therapy from the second trimester, calcium channel blockers Nifedipine, Normodipin, Verapamil are prescribed. They are also used in emergency cases when you need to quickly lower blood pressure. To do this, put it under the tongue. It helps to relieve pressure by being absorbed into the blood from the hyoid artery.
Magnesium-containing drugs - Magne B 6 help to lower blood pressure.
The use of β-blockers for women with hypertension is a controversial issue among doctors. These drugs increase the tone of the uterus, which can lead to termination of pregnancy. In addition, they cross the placenta, decreasing the heart rate. If Atenolol, Labetalol is prescribed, then the intrauterine state of the fetus is monitored.

Attention! Pressure-relieving pills can harm the fetus or cause a miscarriage. Most drugs interfere with placental circulation.

Medicinal herbs under pressure

Herbal medicine is the safest and most effective way to reduce blood pressure in pregnant women. With a slight increase that occurs periodically, medicinal herbs with a calming effect are used. Plants relieve vascular tone - the cause of high blood pressure. Ease the tension of the nervous system in pregnant women. Popular homemade recipes to help expectant mothers:

Infusion of valerian root. For its preparation 1 tbsp. l. dry crushed rhizomes are poured with 1 glass of water at room temperature.

Attention! Leave in a water bath for 30 minutes in a porcelain or glass dish under a tight lid. This condition is necessary to obtain the active substance - valerian essential oil.

After removing from heat, insist for another 10 minutes, covering the container with a towel. It is taken in strained form three times a day for 1/3 cup. The last dose should be taken at bedtime.

Motherwort infusion is prepared at home from dry pharmaceutical herbs. The proportions are the same - 1 tbsp. l. dry herbs in 200 ml of water at room temperature. The infusion time in a water bath is reduced to 15 minutes, because the essential oil is easily extracted from soft plants. After a short infusion, filter and take 3 times a day before meals.
An infusion of mint leaves has a calming effect. An essential oil plant is prepared in the proportion of 1 tbsp. l. dry leaves in a glass of warm water. For insisting, it is enough to hold it in a water bath under a tightly closed lid for 15 minutes. After that, it is kept for another 10 minutes, filtered. A glass of infusion is consumed in 3 doses before meals.
An infusion of peony flowers is prepared in the same way in 15 minutes. Frequency rate and dose - 1/3 cup per day.

If starting herbal treatment, take it regularly every day in a course of 2 to 3 weeks. Herbal medicine in most cases effectively reduces blood pressure even in hypertensive patients with high rates.

At home, it is better to prepare medicines yourself, but from pharmacy products. Buying plant materials from the hands of old women near the metro, you run the risk of bringing home an unpredictable set of leaves and flowers. You do not know what is harvested and at what time, and this is important for each plant. It is also unknown where the herbs were stored.

Folk ways to lower blood pressure

The use of medications by pregnant women is undesirable. Therefore, many women successfully use folk remedies. When applied systematically, this method eliminates pressure surges. Popular foods with hypotensive properties:

Mash 200 grams of boiled pumpkin with a fork, mix with 1 tbsp. l. honey. Consume several times a day between meals. The product will not only reduce blood pressure, but also provide mother and baby with a set of vitamins and microelements.
Squeeze cranberry juice from a glass of berries. Pour the cake with water, boil for 5 minutes. After straining in this solution, boil 3 tsp. semolina, then mix with squeezed juice, add 4 tbsp. l. Sahara. Take the mixture in 3 tsp. several times a day.
Corn grits mixed with water in a ratio of 6 tablespoons helps to lower blood pressure. l. for 1 glass of water. Take gruel several times throughout the day.

These agents, when used systematically in combination with physical methods, help maintain the pressure at the physiological level.