WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

How High Blood Pressure Can Affect You

Pregnancy
Pregnancy follow-up
How High Blood Pressure Can Affect You
What High Blood Pressure Really Means
Managing a growing baby bump can feel like a full-time job, but there's something else you might need to keep an eye on — your blood pressure.
Now, we're not talking the stress of choosing baby names or nursery colors.
This is about the numbers that pop up when you get that arm cuff tightened during your prenatal visits.
You see, having high blood pressure during pregnancy can have some serious ramifications for both you and your baby.
  • High Blood Pressure: Defined as a reading of 130/80 mm Hg or higher.
  • Normal Blood Pressure: Ideally around 120/80 mm Hg.
  • Low Blood Pressure: Lower than 90/60 mm Hg.
The Two Bad Boys: Gestational Hypertension & Preeclampsia
These aren't names of rock bands, trust us!
Gestational Hypertension and Preeclampsia are two conditions you really want to avoid, as they're forms of high blood pressure that can only occur during pregnancy. So let's break it down:
  1. Gestational Hypertension: Shows up after the 20th week and usually resolves post-birth. Though it may not be as harsh as preeclampsia, it still warrants careful monitoring.
  2. Preeclampsia: It's like gestational hypertension but has kicked it up a notch. It affects both you and your baby and can lead to serious, even fatal complications if not managed.
How Your Body Signals: Symptoms to Look Out For
Alright, mamas, your body is pretty awesome at sending signals when things are going south.
So, what are the flares your body might shoot up to say, "Hey, look at me!"?
  • Persistent Headaches: If it's unrelenting and OTC meds aren’t helping, it might be time to consult your doc.
  • Visual Changes: Seeing spots, blurry vision, or sensitivity to light? Could be a warning sign.
  • Swelling: We're not talking about those swollen feet after a day of shopping, but rather sudden swelling in your hands, feet, or face.
Game Plan: Managing High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy
No need to hit the panic button just yet!
While high blood pressure isn’t ideal, there are ways to manage it and still have a healthy pregnancy.
  • Regular Check-ups: Keep up with your prenatal visits. The more data you and your healthcare team have, the better.
  • Healthy Diet: Focus on fruits, veggies, lean meats, and low sodium. Yup, that might mean putting down the pickles and ice cream.
  • Exercise: Consult your doc about an exercise regimen suitable for you. A little walk can go a long way.
  • Medication: Sometimes, lifestyle changes aren’t enough, and medication is required. Always consult your healthcare provider for what’s best for you and the baby.
Your job is to grow a human; it's okay to ask for a little help along the way.
Keep that blood pressure in check, and you'll be on the best path to welcoming your new arrival!
All you need to know
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Managing High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy
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O
Odalys
22 Jan 2024

Does anyone else have high blood pressure every appointment they have to check my blood pressure twice one doctor even said Preeclampsia can get real serious so I’m scared !!!

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
4 comments
A
Alex
I had preeclampsia last pregnancy and I am always nervous about doing blood pressure at my appointments. Get yourself a cuff and check it at home twice a day and let them know you’re doing that and bring your notebook to your appointments. Scaring you about preeclampsia doesn’t help…so sorry you’re feeling afraid.
27 Mar 2024

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Odalys
Okay I’ll try that !! && yess I’m scared I don’t want anything to go wrong with this pregnancy do you know what causes high blood pressure?
27 Mar 2024

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T
Tot Taster Mom
20 Dec 2023

Today I had two headaches I was dehydrated And for the first time in my life my blood pressure was high And they didn't induce my labor…. Now I’m nervous… have your blood pressure ever been high? Did they induce you or let you go home

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
23 comments
A
Ana
That’s weird they should of induce you right away
27 Mar 2024

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🍹Jenni
Mine got high. They monitored me for a bit. It went down and stayed steady and they sent me home, but I was only like 36 wks.
27 Mar 2024

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Rhonda
1 Oct 2023

I will be induced only because of my high blood pressure!!! I’m scared but I’m happy at the same time. Did anybody have problems giving birth with high blood pressure?

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
6 comments
D
Danni
I'm a high blood pressure mama, and I'm being induced tonight with baby #3, my first 2 were smooth labor and deliveries.
27 Mar 2024

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Rhonda
I pray everything goes well
27 Mar 2024

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D
Divia
8 Jul 2023

Could you have preeclampsia without high blood pressure. I have excessive swelling that won’t go down and my doctor found protein in my urine but yet my blood pressure isn’t high. I’m kinda scared and she did consider sending me to the hospital for 24 hours to monitor me but after she checked my blood pressure she didn’t.

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
5 comments
M
Mariya
You can have preeclampsia for both protein in urine or high blood pressure
27 Mar 2024

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Divia
I have protein in urine for sure but blood pressure is normal & I’m kinda scared.
27 Mar 2024

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t
tt
15 Jun 2023

Praying that my blood pressure goes down never had slightly high blood pressure before😭

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2 comments
B
Blocked user
What u eating?
27 Mar 2024

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tt
I was eating smoothies and a lot of fruit to bring it down
27 Mar 2024

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Leatrice
6 Jun 2023

Hi have any had high blood pressure and if so does the medication make you feel different?

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
11 comments
L
Latrice
I’m on Labetalol 100mg twice a day. I haven’t been taking it bc my bp is good at home. When I go to doctor it goes up. But it makes me so sleepy when I do take it. Maybe different for you.
27 Mar 2024

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Leatrice
Hey I just recieved the same meds today just wondering if it’s safe ?? And is your feet swole
27 Mar 2024

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Evie’s Mommy 🌸
25 Feb 2023

So went in for NST, blood pressure came back high so they are inducing me, starting the balloon tonight, meds in the morning unless blood pressure gets too high, prayers and good vibes please!

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
4 comments
T
Tocquanna
Congratulations 🎊 prayers for you and baby ❤️
27 Mar 2024

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Kedishia
Congratulations I pray for a safe delivery and a healthy mommy and bady in Jesus mighty name
27 Mar 2024

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Lesinae
12 Sep 2022

You guys I need help I’m 13 weeks and have high blood pressure it was 118 over 96 what can I do I’m a first time mom

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
22 comments
M
Marisela
118 is actually pretty normal. Mine is always within that range and the 120
27 Mar 2024

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Tisha
Relax,stress less and breath, just just plenty of water and get plenty of rest
27 Mar 2024

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S
Star
15 Jul 2022

So I have high blood pressure is there anyway I can bring it down & keep it down my doctor already knows there very concerned but I don’t want to be taking a whole bunch of pills nor do I want high blood pressure & I want my baby to be healthy

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
5 comments
S
Samantha
Girl i have high bloodpressure too. I do take meds 3 times a day but its.still high they will have to induce me at 36 weeks dec 31 or jan 1 im not due til jan 29th but i have to go see a fetal medicine dr that will also on top of my ob keep an eye on me i go to my ob every 2 weeks and check his heart and things and then i go to fetal medicine dr 1 time a month. I stay home on very light dutty and keep my stress to a bare minimal.my husband helps alot we have a 5 yo that is about to start kindergarten. To so... 😂 🔥 5's 😂 i do alot of streaming thats my modo and 🎵
27 Mar 2024

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Ruth
Flax seed,chia seed its good,celery too,u can google,beetroots also good.
27 Mar 2024

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Tasha
15 Jun 2022

I got admitted again to the hospital due to high blood pressure. Anyone was on magnesium sulfate drip and how did you feel after coming off?

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
9 comments
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Lisa
I do it all the time. No feeling after or during fr me
27 Mar 2024

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Tasha
Meaning do feel dizzy or weak?
27 Mar 2024

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