HIgh blood pressure in first pregnancy - preventing it with second?

[skfmama]

I had high blood pressure the last 6-8 weeks with my first pregnancy. It wasn't pre-e because I never had much protein in my urine. So just high blood pressure (135/90 at the highest, always lower when I was laying down), and my son was born low birthweight (5.5lbs @ 39 weeks - I was induced at 39 weeks). I also gained over 50lbs (mostly water, and I'm not a big person to start off with).

I'm now pregnant with my second and I'd like to avoid all this repeating itself if at all possible. Does anyone know things I can do to encourage healthy placental growth and keep my BP down? I know eating lots of protein helps, and I hope to do that. Exercise, lots of water, lots of rest, just being healthy in general. Anything else?

Does anyone have experience of having PIH/Pre-e for a pregnancy but then not for the next baby?

Thanks!

[shantiani]

I'm curious about this too. I had pre-e with my dd (induced at 36 wks) and want to try everything to avoid it again. Ive read from several sources that eating dark chocolate (especially during the 1st and 2nd trimesters) is correlated with a lower incidence of pre-e (and that chocolate is associated with lower blood pressure in general). And like you said, a high protein diet is supposed to help. I'll be doing both of those (yes please, chocolate! ) and every single other thing I can think of that might have even a remote possibility of helping- Massage, aromatherapy in my house, acupuncture.... I don't even care if it's a placebo, as long as my blood pressure stays down this time!

[Lily's_Mom]

Hi there,

I had the same story as you.  My bp was usually 135/85 around the end, but no protein in urine etc.  Just the high blood pressure.  I was induced at 42 weeks with my daughter, and she was 8 lbs.

Second pregnancy, same thing happened, except this time I was induced at 39 weeks.  My son was 7lb12oz.  So, my theory is I can only handle 8 lb of baby and my body starts giving out!

If we go for baby #3, I want to get in really good shape beforehand, lose all this extra weight and get my heart in good condition.  Weight really seems to be the issue for me.  I was heavier for my second pregnancy.

Edited by Lily's_Mom - 9/22/11 at 2:15pm

[1love4ever]

You are totally correct- the first thing I would suggest is HIGH PROTEIN DIET.  Dont just "hope" to do this, DO IT.  It is your best bet I would guess.  I would also start on a whole foods prenatal vitamin such as Garden of Life, I get mine on Amazon.

Getting enough rest, eating healthy, organic whole foods(including lots of veggies!) and avoiding refined sugars and flours, etc also helps IMO.  Regular exercise such as a walk outside every day, and some prenatal yoga(I have Shiva Reas DVD).  I have read a study on how getting enough sleep really can help with HBP in pregnancy.  Also having an adequate salt intake, dont limit or restrict salt, just salt to taste.  I prefer minimally processed salt that still has its natrual properties and minerals with no added "crap" so I get Redmonds Real Salt.

Anyway, I hope this helps you!

[Autumnshades]

Have successfully managed to keep my blood pressure down in this pregnancy - I don't have pre-e either but my bloodpressure would spike (I know mine is very stress related).  High protein diet is a MUST, cutting processed salts (having salt is fine, as long as it is not processed) and the biggest thing I found that helped was that I started taking a Kyolic extra strenght garlic supplement *in 4 weeks my bloodpressure dropped 10 points down and that got it back to normal levels and I have taken it ever since with success.  I also make sure to have a long walk every day which helps for sure.... :)

Good luck!

[element2012]

My midwife told me that she uses magnesium supplementation with her mamas whose blood pressure is creeping up.  Look for one at your health foods store and be sure to discuss with your doc/MW.  I also like Concen-Trace mineral drops.