Dec 31, 2009 ... Chronic High Blood Pressure. In Pregnancy. Controlling high blood pressure,
also known as Hypertension, is important when you are pregnant ...
Chronic High Blood Pressure In Pregnancy Controlling high blood pressure, also known as Hypertension, is important when you are pregnant. Hypertension often has no symptoms. You can still feel good with a blood pressure that is dangerously high. There are many reasons why it is important to control your blood pressure for your health and the health of your baby: •
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause the placenta to work improperly. This may lead to having a small baby who is ill. To protect your baby, we will check your baby with special tests during pregnancy.
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Stroke, heart, lung and kidney problems in the mother can occur if high blood pressure is uncontrolled
Ways to Control Your High Blood Pressure •
Get plenty of rest. Rest 1 to 2 hours mid-morning and 1 to 2 hours mid-afternoon. Lying on your side allows your baby to get the most oxygen and nutrients. Taking long rest periods can be difficult, especially if you have small children at home or if you work. Talk with a nurse or social worker for helpful suggestions to get the rest you need. More on next page Learn more about your health care.
© Copyright, (12/31/2009) The Ohio State University Medical Center Upon request all patient education handouts are available in other formats for people with special hearing, vision and language needs, call (614) 293-3191.
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Take your blood pressure at home. Learn to take your own blood pressure at home so that you can follow how you are doing. The nurse will help you learn this skill.
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Take medicine prescribed by your doctor or nurse. You may need medicine to control your high blood pressure even if you feel good.
If you already took medicine to control high blood pressure before becoming pregnant, they may need to be changed as your pregnancy progresses.
DO NOT STOP taking your medicine without first talking to your doctor.
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Eat well-balanced meals which are high in protein. Examples of high-protein foods are meats, fish, eggs, peanut butter, milk and dried beans. DO NOT add salt to your food. The dietitian will help you plan meals for your high blood pressure and pregnancy.
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Stay connected. Keep all your doctor appointments so we can check on how well you and your baby are doing.
Taking Medicine to Control Your Blood Pressure •
A medicine is often given for your high blood pressure. This medicine may cause drowsiness. It may also cause dizziness if you stand up too quickly. Stand up slowly and avoid standing for a long time.
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Diuretics (water pills) are usually not used during pregnancy.
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Other medicines may be necessary as your pregnancy progresses. Follow your doctor’s orders for taking medicine.
Complications of Chronic High Blood Pressure When you have chronic high blood pressure, there is more chance of developing pregnancy-induced hypertension, also called PIH, preeclampsia or toxemia. You will be checked for signs that PIH may be developing. These signs include: •
A lot of swelling of your feet, face, eyes or hands
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An increase in your blood pressure
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Protein in your urine
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Low urine output
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A weight gain greater than two pounds per week
Severe symptoms include:
Call your health care provider right away if you notice any of these signs or have other questions. •
Difficulty breathing
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Seizures (convulsions)
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Severe headache
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Blurring of vision or seeing spots
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Severe heart burn
Doctor’s Office Number: _____________________________ Doctor’s After Hours Number: _________________________
Talk to your doctor or others on your health care team if you have questions. You may request more written information from the Library for Health Information at (614) 293-3707 or email:
[email protected].
