What is hypertension during pregnancy?
Hypertension in pregnant women refers to a situation of excessive blood pressure relative to the generally accepted norm. Many women find out about hypertension only when they go to an antenatal clinic about pregnancy.
The difficulty is that in such situations it is difficult to determine what causes these deviations and choose the right treatment strategy. In some cases, high blood pressure may be caused by pre-contraceptive kidney disease or other conditions. In this case, the fact of hypertension may not be noticed for a long time, since the patient may feel well. In other cases, the increase is associated with difficulties during childbirth.
Pregnancy and high blood pressure are considered incompatible concepts. Increased fertility during childbirth has negative consequences for both the child and the mother. Every pregnant woman needs to know how dangerous this condition is.
These threats include:
- narrowing of the walls of blood vessels, as a result of which the embryo experiences oxygen starvation;
- Lack of oxygen and nutrients due to impaired blood supply increases the risk of pathologies and neurological disorders;
- fetal development lags behind normal;
- the placenta may tear away prematurely.
The latter circumstance threatens the woman with massive blood loss and a real threat to the life of the child. With constant blood pressure of 140 or more, the risk of placental abruption is quite high, which leads to the risk of premature birth and even the need to terminate the pregnancy. Because of this risk, it is impossible to walk with high blood pressure and not take treatment and preventive measures.
How to lower blood pressure without medications
Several simple methods from a famous Russian cardiologist AFTER 50 YEARS, EVERY SECOND PERSON IN RUSSIA SUFFERS FROM HIGH PRESSURE. MOST KNOW ABOUT THE DISEASE, BUT ALMOST HALF OF THE CITIZENS TREAT THEMSELVES
And they risk getting complications in the form of strokes, heart attacks, etc. Meanwhile, doctors know effective ways to combat high blood pressure.
And sometimes they are not complicated at all. German cardiologist from the Technical University of Munich Martin Holle named simple ways to lower blood pressure without drugs. To do this, you need to eat less bread, cheese and sausage, salty foods, but more vegetables and walk for at least 15 minutes every day. But running or cycling is not at all useful. The famous Russian cardiologist, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, head of the department of hospital therapy at Sechenov University Yuri BELENKOV
is convinced that in Russia another method is more effective.
When and how should you reduce blood pressure? VISITING A CARDIOLOGIST
- Yuri Nikitich, many are sure that 140 is almost normal pressure. — According to international recommendations, ideally a person should have a blood pressure of 120 over 80 at any age. There is a concept of high normal pressure - no more than 130 over 80-85. Anything higher, that is, 140 over 90 or more, is hypertension. The exception is for people 75 years of age and older who have severe narrowing of the carotid arteries that supply the brain. For them, the upper pressure limit is set at 140/90 or 145/95 mm Hg. Art., because lower pressure can lead to deterioration of brain nutrition. - When should you reduce your blood pressure? — As long as a person has high normal blood pressure or borderline values, then any non-drug methods can be used - both diet and physical activity. I think that number one among these measures specifically for our country is a complete cessation or sharp reduction in alcohol consumption and smoking. This is more effective than proper nutrition and exercise combined. If the pressure is stable at 150 or higher, a healthy lifestyle alone will not solve the problem. We need to take medicine. And not when the pressure rises, but for prevention - so that it does not rise.
As a rule, all the medications we prescribe begin to act within 2-3 hours, maximum 12 hours, and remain effective for 24-27 hours. So don’t think that if you take a pill, you will immediately feel better. The medicine will begin to act only after a few hours. Yes, there are drugs like captopril that can be placed under the tongue - and the pressure will drop in 10-15 minutes. But they are used in emergency cases with very high blood pressure. For routine treatment, it is better to use medications that reduce blood pressure slowly and gradually. It is also important to remember: when the pressure has dropped to normal levels, you cannot stop taking the pills or reduce the dose. — Are there people with low blood pressure who need not be treated? - If a woman is hypotensive, that is, she has always had low blood pressure, say, 100-110 mm Hg. Art., then for her 130 is already high blood pressure. And she may need medication. Everything is individual. If a person feels unwell with a blood pressure of 140, drug therapy should be started. If there were relatives in the family with hypertension - mother, grandmother, etc., then the man is 35-40 years old, and the woman should visit a cardiologist before giving birth. Very often, women from such “hypertensive” families develop high blood pressure during pregnancy or after childbirth.
MORE MOVEMENT, LESS SALT
— What are the proven and most effective non-drug methods that help with hypertension?
— "Beginners" hypertensive patients can benefit from physical exercise. When a person physically exerts himself - within reasonable limits and in accordance with age - as a rule, the pressure after exercise decreases. But this does not mean that you can eat four cutlets or a hamburger, and then go for a run and everything will be fine. Physical activity and proper nutrition work together. Choose what brings you pleasure. I always tell the wives of my patients: if your husband likes to walk, there is no need to force him to play tennis, if he likes to swim in the pool, do not force him to ride a bicycle. The load level should be such as not to exceed the maximum heart rate recommended by the cardiologist, for example 120-130 beats per minute. To do this, measure your pulse regularly. — Should I limit salt? “We are introducing salt restrictions—a salt-free diet—only for severe hypertensive patients who have kidney damage. Simply removing salt will not cure hypertension. The body needs sodium. However, you should not exceed the daily requirement for salt - this is approximately 5 g, or half a teaspoon. Usually we get this norm by consuming products that we buy in the store. Therefore, we can recommend simply not adding salt to ready-made dishes. NAVAGA VERSUS LOBSTER -
Is the Mediterranean diet also effective for preventing high blood pressure?
- Yes, but there is nothing sophisticated about it. It is called Mediterranean because it was first described in the Mediterranean region. But this does not mean that you need to eat lobsters and avocados and pineapples. We use ordinary vegetables - garlic, onions (note, I started with them), tomatoes, cucumbers. In addition, olives, olive oil, but you can also use regular sunflower or flaxseed, rapeseed oil. From seafood - regular fish. The further north it is, the better. The healthiest thing is the one that the cat loves - that is, not salmon, but some kind of low-fat fish. Optimally - cod (cheap navaga and blue whiting, by the way, are also from the cod family). You can eat spaghetti made from durum wheat. Plus wholemeal bread. And no buns or cakes, of course. That's what the Mediterranean diet is all about. In general, if your weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar levels are normal, then you don’t need to torment yourself with diets. You can eat everything - within reasonable limits. Source: Arguments and Facts
Classification of arterial hypertension during pregnancy
There are several types of hypertension during pregnancy. The chronic form is when a woman has high blood pressure before conception and does not go away during pregnancy. Secondary hypertension, which often occurs as a result of diseases of the urinary system and kidneys.
High blood pressure is fraught with gestosis. This condition is dangerous due to dysfunction of vital organs. The most vulnerable organs are the circulatory system and the heart. Severe swelling of the arms and legs indicates the presence of problems.
European
The main feature of this classification is the presence of “high normal” pressure and a gradation of several degrees of arterial hypertension. According to current criteria, a value of 120/80 is considered normal.
The current criteria for BP are as follows:
optimal – Symptoms of high blood pressure
Hypertension and pregnancy require special attention from the woman and the attending physician. A woman can feel about the presence of a deviation from the norm by characteristic symptoms in the form of problems with headaches.
- The most common symptoms of high blood pressure:
- feeling of general deterioration of health;
- the appearance of tinnitus;
- nausea, vomiting;
- disturbance of visual perception associated with the flickering of flies in front of the eyes;
Red dots.
32nd city clinical clinic
Changes in blood pressure (BP) in women during pregnancy are observed quite often, which can adversely affect the mother and fetus. Blood pressure is one of the most important indicators of the functioning of the circulatory system in the body. During pregnancy, all organs and systems of the mother work under increased stress, especially the cardiovascular system. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly measure blood pressure to prevent the development of severe complications. At the beginning of pregnancy, blood pressure usually decreases slightly, due to the action of hormones. In later stages of pregnancy, as the fetus grows and the blood flow necessary for its nutrition increases, blood pressure may increase relative to physiological indicators before pregnancy. Arterial hypertension is said to exist if a pregnant woman’s blood pressure exceeds 140/90 mmHg. However, in women with low blood pressure before pregnancy, arterial hypertension may be present at blood pressure levels that are usually considered normal. Therefore, it is important to know your normal blood pressure.
Why is high blood pressure dangerous during pregnancy?
High blood pressure during pregnancy poses a great danger to the mother and fetus. Against this background, vasoconstriction occurs and the blood supply to all vital organs, including the placenta, is disrupted. Due to the lack of essential nutrients and oxygen, the growth and development of the fetus slows down. There is a serious danger of placental abruption, which is accompanied by bleeding and threatens the life of the mother and fetus. High blood pressure during pregnancy can cause the development of a dangerous pregnancy complication - preeclampsia. Manifestations of preeclampsia can also include swelling, large weight gain, and the presence of protein in the urine. Very dangerous symptoms of preeclampsia are: headache, blurred vision (“floaters”, “veils” before the eyes), pain in the upper abdomen. Deterioration of the general condition may be accompanied by dizziness, tinnitus, nausea, and vomiting. Preeclampsia can provoke a serious complication - eclampsia. In this condition, the pregnant woman loses consciousness and experiences convulsions.
Register for pregnancy at the antenatal clinic as early as possible!
A very important feature of arterial hypertension during pregnancy is that often even with high blood pressure numbers the patient feels normal. High blood pressure is detected by chance, during the next visit to the antenatal clinic. The absence of clinical manifestations of high blood pressure does not exclude the development of dangerous complications.
In order to promptly identify unwanted abnormalities during pregnancy and prevent the development of complications in the mother and fetus, pregnant women need to regularly monitor their blood pressure. It is very important to register for pregnancy at the antenatal clinic in a timely manner. The doctor will promptly detect changes in blood pressure and prescribe optimal therapy to maintain normal blood pressure. If a woman had high blood pressure before pregnancy and she is taking medications, it is necessary to adjust the treatment and individually select medications that can be taken during pregnancy. To prevent high blood pressure, a pregnant woman should eat a healthy and balanced diet, follow a drinking regime, and monitor weight gain. The antenatal clinic doctor will also give the correct recommendations on these issues. A pregnant woman must follow the recommendations and not violate the prescribed therapy.
What to do if a pregnant woman has high blood pressure?
If a pregnant woman regularly monitors her blood pressure on her own and notices even a slight increase in it while feeling well, she should visit a doctor at the antenatal clinic as soon as possible (before the scheduled next appointment). Self-administration of medications in this case is strictly prohibited. Before visiting a doctor, you can lower your blood pressure by taking a mild sedative based on motherwort or valerian.
When is it necessary to call an ambulance?
If blood pressure rises suddenly, or you feel unwell, urgent hospitalization is necessary, and it is advisable for the patient to immediately call an emergency medical team. Signs that should alert you are: headache, sensation of flashing dots or “floaters”, blurred vision, pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting, agitation or depression, along with increased blood pressure. There may be a high level of convulsive readiness, which is manifested by twitching of the muscles of the face, neck, upper limbs, loss of consciousness and convulsions are possible.
What to do before the ambulance arrives?
First of all, go to bed, if possible eliminate all unwanted irritants (turn off all sources of noise, close the curtains), do not leave the pregnant woman alone, as convulsions may occur and help will be needed. Give it a position with the head end raised. You can take blood pressure lowering medications prescribed by your doctor. If a woman has not previously taken antihypertensive drugs, then she should not take drugs on the advice of others.
If an attack of convulsions occurs, the pregnant woman should be laid on a flat surface, her head should be turned to the side (to prevent aspiration of vomit), protected from injury (covered with a blanket), and not physically restrained. After an attack, clean the mouth with a napkin from vomit, blood and mucus. Wait for the ambulance to arrive!
The ambulance will arrive quickly and provide the necessary assistance. Hospitalization for this condition is mandatory. Only in a hospital is it possible to fully monitor the condition of the mother and child, complete therapy and determine a delivery plan.
We wish you health and happy motherhood!
Physician-therapist at the antenatal clinic of the 32nd city clinical clinic Tatyana Petrovna Shchuko
Blood pressure is normal
High blood pressure in pregnant women does not always have obvious symptoms. Because of this feature, experts recommend regularly measuring indicators while carrying a baby.
A value of 120/80 is considered normal for a normal healthy person. In this case, the top number indicates the systolic value or, as it is more commonly called the top value, the second shows the diastolic or bottom value.
For women before pregnancy, it is not uncommon for the upper reading to be between 90 and 100 and the lower reading to be between 60 and 70.
After conception, it is more correct to focus not on a specific value, but on growth. For a pregnant woman, a deviation of no more than 10% is considered normal. At the same time, if the upper threshold increased by 30 and the lower threshold by 15, this indicates the presence of high blood pressure. Exceeding the value above 140/90 should be a reason to urgently consult a doctor.
- To obtain correct readings, the following guidelines are recommended:
- 1 hour before visiting the doctor, you should avoid physical activity;
- Sit quietly and quietly for 10 minutes before taking the measurement;
During the measurement, relax as much as possible and lean on the back of the chair.
What to do if there is a pressure surge?
Legs should not be crossed, as this impedes venous outflow and distorts the true values. To obtain reliable measurements, the doctor takes several measurements at intervals of 10-15 minutes.
Slight changes in blood pressure are normal during pregnancy. Variations of 30 points or more are considered dangerous.
A reading of 140/90 should be of serious concern to both the pregnant woman and those around her.
A one-time jump does not mean the development of hypertension, but if the figure jumps regularly, this is one of the alarming symptoms. Sudden jumps are also dangerous, so you should know the basic rules of behavior at home in this situation.
- Basic actions to reduce it:
- position the pregnant woman horizontally so that her head is higher than her body level;
- open windows to ensure maximum flow of fresh air;
if fluctuations have been observed previously, a previously used drug should be prescribed.
Low blood pressure during pregnancy - symptoms
Low blood pressure during pregnancy usually manifests as a group of nonspecific but unpleasant symptoms that can affect many chronic diseases. As a result of hypotension, a pregnant woman may experience dizziness, tinnitus, and drowsiness.
Visual impairment often occurs in the form of dark spots in front of the eyes. The expectant mother may also complain of general weakness and fatigue, which is not associated with physical fatigue.
Hypotension during pregnancy often causes headaches and problems concentrating, increased heart rate and coldness in the skin of the legs and arms.
Headache
In turn, very low blood pressure during pregnancy is often associated with fainting caused by cerebral hypoxia. This is potentially the most dangerous symptom of hypotension, since fainting can result in a bad fall and serious injury to the head or abdomen. Low blood pressure symptoms can occur in varying degrees of severity.
High blood pressure in pregnant women
You should not try to lower your blood pressure with new medications. A surge in pressure is always a negative factor for the health of the pregnant woman and the fetus. Therefore, it is necessary to seek medical help and it is better to immediately agree to the offer of hospitalization.
In the first trimester of pregnancy, the fact of hypertension in pregnant women is detected in a significant percentage of women. Normally, blood pressure values decrease until the end of the first trimester.
Early damage to the vascular wall is fraught with abnormalities of the placenta, which leads to an increased risk of miscarriage.
High blood pressure before the 6th month causes complications in the development of the child and can cause serious deviations from the norm.
- Other dangerous consequences for the baby include:
- the presence of placental insufficiency;
- opening of bleeding;
- the appearance of chronic hypoxia;
the likelihood of placental abruption.
If measures are not taken in a timely manner, a woman may lose her child. The risk group includes women who previously suffered from the problem of hypertension, had pathologies of the cardiac system and kidneys. Factors contributing to hypertension include excess weight and hormonal imbalances. The main therapy for blood pressure surges is aimed at eliminating the causes and correcting the situation.
In the second trimester, compared to the period before conception, the upper threshold decreases by 10-15, and the lower threshold by 5-15. During this period, the presence of pressure often does not affect the woman’s well-being, but negatively affects the baby.
This increase is often explained by an increase in blood volume in a woman’s body, which increases by 0.5 liters.
How to reduce blood pressure during pregnancy?
In late pregnancy, a pregnant woman's blood volume increases from 1 to 1.5 liters, which puts serious strain on the heart. Blood excretion increases by 40-50%, and an increase in heart rate is observed, which can range from 80 to 90 beats per minute.
Drug therapy
How to act in the case of hypertension is decided by the attending physician, who, based on the clinical picture and test results, develops treatment and prevention methods. In this case, urine, blood, ultrasound and a number of other tests are performed to determine the optimal course of therapy.
Pregnant women with high blood pressure are at risk and are often advised to be hospitalized.
- Pregnant women are prescribed medications to lower blood pressure:
- Nifedipine.
- Hydralazine.
- Dopegit.
Metoprolol.
A good effect is achieved by using sedatives in the form of valerian and celandine herbs. To improve the situation, diuretics are often prescribed. They help relieve swelling and improve the well-being of the pregnant woman. You should not prescribe yourself treatment with such drugs. These drugs cause a decrease in circulating blood volume and can delay fetal development.
Folk remedies
Drug therapy should be carried out only as prescribed by a doctor; it is important to adhere to the indicated dosages and not stop taking the medications yourself.
High blood pressure during pregnancy requires monitoring and treatment. Folk remedies are often used for preventive purposes to control blood pressure. To be able to use such recipes, make sure that there are no allergic reactions to the ingredients used in them.
The use of cranberry cereal is effective in therapy and prevention. To prepare it, squeeze the juice from fresh or frozen berries, dilute the dough with boiling water and put on fire for 5 minutes, add semolina and simmer for 15 minutes, add 4 tablespoons of sugar and after boiling, remove from heat. If you have high blood pressure, eat 3 tablespoons of porridge three times a day.
Natural foods and herbs that can lower blood pressure can be used to lower blood pressure. These include rowan, knotweed grass, and beet juice. If high blood pressure appears as a result of disorder or anxiety, it is recommended to use lemon balm, mint, and valerian root as sedatives. In the past, to prevent blood pressure problems, a linen bag containing a mixture of mint and valerian root was hung at the head of a pregnant woman's bed.
Daily routine and nutrition
Corn grits are considered an effective remedy for high blood pressure. To do this, the product is ground in a coffee grinder to the consistency of flour, then placed in a container and filled with 200 ml of heated water. You need to let the mixture sit for 24 hours. To lower blood pressure, take the mixture 15 minutes before meals, 2 tablespoons twice a day.
In case of minor deviations from the norm, organizing a daily routine and diet will help reduce blood pressure to the proper level. Fatty foods should be excluded from the diet and salt intake should be minimized. Avoid eating fatty foods, which can increase your blood pressure. These include coffee, dark chocolate and black tea.
- It is recommended to adhere to the following rules:
- professional activities and leisure time should alternate;
- Sleep time should be at least 8 hours, and it is recommended that daily sleep hours be included in your schedule;
- Meals should be dietary, with a predominance of protein foods in the menu;
It is necessary to provide a varied diet and sufficient amounts of vitamins.
Physical exercise
Stress, negative emotions and excessive physical activity should be eliminated from a woman’s life as much as possible.
Pregnancy imposes serious restrictions on women's physical activity. In the first months after conception, a woman can still go to the gym, pool and dance if the pregnancy is progressing normally.
- However, the following should be avoided:
- marathon running;
- a ride on the bicycle;
- strength training equipment;
Traumatic hobbies such as roller skating, mountain climbing, horse riding and scuba diving.
Physical activity supports the functioning of the mother's respiratory and cardiac systems, which contributes to better blood saturation and the supply of nutrients to the fetus.
Correction of psycho-emotional state
In the third trimester, it is worth choosing yoga classes and breathing exercises that will help prepare the mother's body for the upcoming birth. Regular walks in the fresh air should be the norm during this period.
The instability of the emotional state during pregnancy is largely due to hormonal changes. Constant nausea, dizziness, and physical ailments negatively affect a woman’s well-being, often causing inappropriate behavior. Constant irritability for irrelevant reasons, feelings of anxiety and helplessness become natural for many.
Too low blood pressure during pregnancy - reasons
Low blood pressure during pregnancy is rarely associated with cardiovascular disease in the expectant mother. Usually this is a hormonal problem. A decrease in blood pressure during pregnancy is observed already in the first trimester, mainly due to increased levels of progesterone, the hormone responsible for the elasticity of blood vessels. Low blood pressure at the beginning of pregnancy is a natural but not dangerous phenomenon if the pressure value, usually diastolic, drops by no more than 10 mmHg.
Other causes of low blood pressure during pregnancy:
- Blood volume.
The second reason for low blood pressure at this stage of pregnancy is an increase in the amount of circulating blood, which also slows down blood circulation. - Dehydration.
Low diastolic pressure during pregnancy can also be the result of dehydration in the expectant mother. Insufficient fluid intake slows down metabolism, causes an increase in body temperature and increases the activity of sweat glands, whose increased work further increases the degree of dehydration. - High or low loads.
Hypotension during pregnancy is also often the result of strenuous exertion, particularly prolonged standing, as well as lack of physical activity.
Standing upright and immobile promotes poor blood circulation from the lower body to the brain, which causes low blood pressure and can lead to weakness or fainting.
Low blood pressure and high pulse are also common during pregnancy. The average pulse of a pregnant woman is up to 20 beats per minute. During pregnancy, the heart works faster to compensate for pressure losses and pump blood more actively through more flexible vessels.
High heart rate
Preventing high blood pressure
In such a situation, it is important to understand that all changes are temporary and their reasons lie in the restructuring of the body and preparation for the upcoming birth. During this period, experts advise devoting your free time to your favorite activities, listening to relaxing music and learning to “let go” of the situation. Pregnant women need support and understanding from relatives, and the expectant mother should avoid stressful situations if possible.
Prevention of high blood pressure involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet. The diet should be varied, with the obligatory presence of fish, vegetables and fruits, cereals and dairy products. On the recommendation of a doctor, develop a course of taking vitamins and, if necessary, blood pressure medications. During pregnancy, you should not self-prescribe or discontinue medications prescribed by your doctor.
- To avoid pressure, follow these rules:
- avoid noisy places, rooms with a lot of people;
- Avoid interaction with computers;
- Watching TV should not exceed 2 hours a day;
- Ventilate the room regularly;
avoid stress.
How to increase blood pressure during pregnancy?
Low blood pressure during pregnancy can be safely increased and the recurrence of unpleasant symptoms can be avoided. First of all, it is worth ensuring the body is properly hydrated, especially in summer. It is recommended to drink at least 2 liters per day. The best drinks are still or slightly mineralized water and natural fruit juices mixed with water. It is also worth drinking herbal infusions, for example, from chamomile, which additionally regulate intestinal function.
Hypotension during pregnancy is an indication for general physical activity such as walking, yoga or dancing.
Also, a woman will have to add a little salt to her food. The salt level in foods should be slightly higher than usual.
Coffee during pregnancy with low blood pressure is not prohibited, but it is worth limiting its consumption to a maximum of 2 cups (only weak!).
An invaluable way to increase blood pressure is to rest and sleep in a position on the left side, which improves blood flow and oxygenates the entire body.
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Abortion and contraception clinic in St. Petersburg - department of the medical gynecological association "Diana"
Make an appointment, tests or ultrasound via the contact form or by calling +8 (812) 62-962-77. We work seven days a week from 09:00 to 21:00.
We are located in the Krasnogvardeisky district, next to the Novocherkasskaya, Ploshchad Alexander Nevsky and Ladozhskaya metro stations.
The cost of a medical abortion in our clinic is 3,300 rubles. The price includes all pills, an examination by a gynecologist and an ultrasound to determine the timing of pregnancy.
