Guest Author - Moss Greene
A high blood pressure pregnancy can show up in two different ways. Essential hypertension is a pre-existing condition where the mother’s pressure was high before getting pregnant. In essential hypertension, the mom's consistent blood pressure readings are 130/90 or higher.
Gestational hypertension is a different story. It begins when readings start going up and steadily increase after the 20th week of pregnancy. The main concern for both types of hypertension is mainly for the baby. Since high blood pressure can reduce blood flow and oxygen to the placenta, this condition endagers the fetus.
It's normal for blood pressure to go up during pregnancy. However, a reading over 140/90 is detrimental whether you're pregnant or not. Any increase of your systolic pressure, which is the higher number, of more than 30 points above normal and/or any increase of 15 points or more in the diastolic pressure, which is the lower number, should also be a concern for expectant mothers. To better understand how to read and evaluate blood pressure numbers, go to Blood Pressure Chart And Health.
High blood pressure should always be kept under control. But during pregnancy it’s especially important, since it can be the cause of growth retardation (low birth weight), fetal distress during labor and even stillbirth. Gestational hypertension may also be a sign of pre-eclampsia, which is a very serious condition.
Fortunately, there are natural techniques for lowering your readings and learning How To Lower Blood Pressure is fairly simple. However, it will take some basic changes in lifestyle. You must eat a healthy diet, manage your weight gain sensibly, limit your salt, sugar and caffeine intake and include regular exercise in your daily schedule. You’ll be amazed at how much you can lower your blood pressure readings by just following these recommended guidelines.
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Note: The information contained on this website is not intended to take the place of medical advice. Any attempt to diagnose or treat a condition should come under the direction of a qualified practitioner.
