High BP in prior pgs - what can I do or take to try & ward it off again?

[UberMama]

I was reading this: http://mothering.com/discussions/sho....php?t=1075194 and then began Googling a bit to find out more on the remedies mentioned.

I had high BP with no other symptoms (no protein in urine, normal blood levels, etc.) with my twins. So high that I needed an emergency c/s at 33 weeks as mag sulfate couldn't even keep it down. My normal is 115/70ish. I have white coat syndrome, so during normal prenatal appts with my MW or OB, my BP will be 120/80-85 sometimes. With my twins, it was hitting 200/145.

Anyway, I went in in labor at 38 weeks last go around and my BP was 140/95ish. Being I had had 2 c/s, they wanted to section me again as I was dilating, so they did.

Longer story short, I am hoping to VBAC this go around. With two out of three pg's I've had BP that went high at the end though, so I am wondering if there's anything I can take now to help counteract BP that may try to go up later on? I will add here that I am on baby aspirin (81mg/day) as it was recommended to me by an OB before, stating that some research has shown it to help keep BP low later on in pg if started early on in pg. I can of course stop this. My MW had no issue with it either way.

I am reading about dandelion, hawthorn, garlic, etc. I am hoping to take whatever in capsule or tea form, though if I must, I'll do a tincture. I know some of these aren't meant to start until your BP goes up, right? What can I start now though .. anything? I am just confused because what I am finding on various sites doesn't specify if it's safe during pregnancy and/or before your BP rises.

THANK YOU!

[UberMama]

I'm reading a lot about a cal/mag supplement being beneficial but how much does one take when pg? I am taking a prenatal with DHA and then the baby aspirin only at this point. I do a smoothie each day (fruits, veggies and protein) and am going to begin RRL soon.

[velveeta]

Hey there, I also tend to experience a natural rise in BP at the end of pregnancy. In my opinion, it is just normal for some women. I have good BP when not pregnant and for the first 20 weeks or so -- 110/70 or so. And at the end, mine goes up about like yours, and I don't believe it is pathological.

I know we have to satisfy the doctors, though -- to stay "qualified" for my home birth, I have to try to keep it down. This is my third pregnancy, and *this time* my BP is staying normal, largely, I think, because I am eating quite a bit of protein every day -- around 100 grams! I don't think you have to go so far as to follow the Brewer diet 100%. I sure don't, and I usually experience Hyperemesis Gravidarum with my pregnancies, so it is pretty much out for me -- I just do what I can as far as diet, always keeping an emphasis on protein.

As far as supplements, I strongly recommend a good fish oil supplement for inflammation -- it is my number one protection for PPD, and really helps prenatally, as well. Bromelain and Quercetin (they are often sold as a combo) are also great anti-inflammatories. Many believe that high BP and pre-E are inflammatory responses, and so these supplements give a satisfactory answer, in my experience. I also believe that there is natural inflammation that occurs in later pregnancy and immediately post-partum, and that can be observed through BP, especially in women like you and I are, who do not have protein in the urine or other observable indicators of a pathology.

Also, I am practicing hypnobabies with this pregnancy, and I think that helps with my BP, as well.

Good luck, and have a nice turkey sandwich for your breakfast every day!

[littlestars17]

I eat a tablespoon of chia seeds(for omega 3's) in yogurt every morning, take alphalfa tablets(4-6 a day)and drink 2 cups of hawthorn berry tea every day to help with mine : ) Hawthorn berry is a regulating agent so can be drinken now : ) Same with the omega 3's