High Blood Pressure « Back to Group Discussions

[HippieIncognito]

Today was the second prenatal in a row where my blood pressure was high for me. Today's was 138/80. I am not too worried but I do want to do everything I can to make sure it does not creep up, and lowering it would be nice. Can people share their tricks? I plan to start cal-mag supplements and epsom salt baths and I heard drinking beet juice can help. What else?!

[Edelweiss98]

Drink plenty. Also, to warn you because I scared myself to pieces early on in this PG, beets and beet juice can make your urine pink. I was sure I was spotting and having a MC when I had some beets before 5 weeks. It's not dangerous but don't freak out over it.

[HippieIncognito]

Originally Posted by Edelweiss98 

Drink plenty. Also, to warn you because I scared myself to pieces early on in this PG, beets and beet juice can make your urine pink. I was sure I was spotting and having a MC when I had some beets before 5 weeks. It's not dangerous but don't freak out over it.

yes! I found out the hard way during my last pregnancy. I called the midwife freaked out! 

What is the best magnesium supplement to take? how much? in liquid form?

[cardigan]

My bp was v high at my last appt. But the nurse checked it again later in the appt, and it was fine. Maybe suggest that to confirm that it isn't a function of something else.

[Banana731]

There is a thread in the DDC from Oregon talking about high BP and all the various things that can help. I'm always using the mobile site, so it's a PIA to search. But it shouldn't be hard to find on regular computer.

[oregon2010]

Hi there! I had pregnancy induced hypertension at 36 weeks with my DD and tried herbs from my acupuncturist and acupuncture, swimming, cream of tartar, etc. it never came down and I went from a planned birthing center birt to a csection at the hospital. So, it was hard and I was anxious about it reoccuring this time. Because if my first experience, I know I developed white coat syndrome-- where I get super nervous (even when I try to relax) as someone takes my BP. Sure enough, first appt: high reading! I felt defeated so early so I for my own monitor at home and started taking it myself and my readings have been great!! So far, so good.

Enough about me! The things I know that can help are: leafy greens. I drink a large glass of green juice from my Vitamix every morning. Liquid cal/mag is best. I use Integrative. There is also Natural Calm. I take it before bed. I take two tsps of cod liver oil, (switching to fish oil for more omega 3's) twice a day. I walk a mile or two every day if I can. Garlic capsules are supposed to help. I also take Hawthorn. I take Epsom salt baths a couple times a week too. I have heard about beets and cucumbers helping too. Think that's about it! If I have to readings above 140/90, I can't have a home birth. Just doing what I can! Good luck! Sorry for a u typos--on my phone:)

[oregon2010]

Wow-- lots of typos. Sorry!

[CraftyMcGluestick]

Originally Posted by HippieIncognito 

yes! I found out the hard way during my last pregnancy. I called the midwife freaked out! 

What is the best magnesium supplement to take? how much? in liquid form?

I take magnesium through the skin as a lotion. I don't know the "dosage," but I work it into my legs and feet every night and it's keeping my cramps away. I am using Ancient Minerals brand.

[HeatherB]

Currently soaking in 2c epsom salts and 1c ACV in a bath. The mag is clearly helping me sleep better, and both mag and being chest deep in water for 20min will lower bp. I was taking natural calm (mag citrate, and I take it without calcium) but can only handle so much on my stomach these days.

Passionflower tincture also lowers bp quickly and effectively. I've used it in third tri and in labor.

I think Oregon mentioned most everything else! Lots of fish oil is important.