High blood pressure second pregnancy and insomnia

[tash123]

I had preeclampsia with my son who is now 2.5. Came early but is doing great :) My first doc appt this pregnancy showed high blood pressure 130/88 and it has caused me anxiety and major insomnia. I'm wondering if anyone has taken anxiety/insomnia meds to help cope with this. This past week, I've had three nights where I haven't slept at all. The other nights have been ok. Please help, I am desperate! Will be calling my doc this morning to see what I can do about this. If anyone has any suggestions/experience with this please help! thank you.

[pokeyAC]

Anything you can do to relieve some stress would probably help-yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, etc.  Bendadryl is generally considered safe during pregnancy.  Taking that could work if it helps you sleep.  Getting some sleep might make a big difference. 

[lovestolearn]

Magnesium will help with both preeclampsia and sleep. Many of us are deficient. 400 -600 mg of Magnesium Citrate before bed. Also helps with constipation!

[BaileyB]

Magnesium is my BFF when pregnant. It helps whenever I start getting leg or foot cramps at night and def helps with the constipation. I also have the pregnancy insomnia. I know Unisom is a catagory A drug in pregnancy but I didn't find it helpful in my first tri.

[pokeyAC]

This website says Unisom is safe.  http://www.ehow.com/facts_5486587_taking-unisom-pregnant.html  I took it during my first trimester because I heard it was often used for morning sickness.  It helped me sleep, but I wouldn't be able to take it during the day because I would fall asleep.

[somegirl99]

Originally Posted by pokeyAC 

This website says Unisom is safe.  http://www.ehow.com/facts_5486587_taking-unisom-pregnant.html  I took it during my first trimester because I heard it was often used for morning sickness.  It helped me sleep, but I wouldn't be able to take it during the day because I would fall asleep.

Website is correct, it is probably one of the best studied drugs in pregnancy because of the Bendectin scare.

tash123, maybe acupuncture would be helpful?

[Cleanse Mart]

Natural High Blood Pressure Remedies - As your blood moves through your arteries, it exerts pressure upon the vessel walls. The amount of force necessary for your heart to pump blood through your arteries determines your blood pressure. When your arteries or veins narrow, become partially blocked or your heart must work harder to circulate your blood, high blood pressure (hypertension) results. After consulting with your physician to rule out an underlying condition, you can use natural cures to help control your high blood pressure.
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        One of the contributing factors in developing high blood pressure is today's stressful, high-paced lifestyle that includes overeating, smoking, drinking alcohol, too little exercise and the consumption of high levels of sodium. The Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension Diet (DASH), accepted by the American Heart Association, suggests a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grain cereals and breads and low levels of saturated fats. A wide range of supplements may help reduce your blood pressure. Too little potassium in your body increases your risk of hypertension. Add a 2000 mg potassium tablet to your morning routine. Other popular supplements include, Coenzyme Q10, Omega-3 fatty acids and amino acids. L-arginine, L-taurine, fish oil and flaxseed oil are commonly used as part of a complete diet and lifestyle program to reduce high blood pressure.

[pokeyAC]

I would just like to point out that while the advice above may be great for lowering blood pressure it may or may not be applicable in the case of pregnancy. 

[nstewart]

tash123 - I was having some anxiety related insomnia earlier this pregnancy, and my MW recommends 3mg of melatonin.  I found it really helped.

[phathui5]

OP, how were you feeling when they took your blood pressure?