High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, or pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), tends to occur after 20 weeks, and affects 5-10 percent of women. A blood pressure reading greater than 140 over 90 will cause concern, although there may be no symptoms. First time mothers, those carrying twins, and very young or older mothers are more likely to have high blood pressure. Symptoms of preeclampsia are headaches, nausea and vomiting, edema, visual disturbances, high blood pressure and protein in the urine.

Key Tips on coping with PIH

Get plenty of rest, especially between 5pm to 7 pm
Try to reduce your stress levels
Get regular, gentle exercise

Epson salt bath – 2 cups/ 20 minutes/2x/day

Diet and Nutrition

– Eat a healthy, balanced diet, eat plenty of raw fruits and vegetables
– Vitamins C and E, potassium
– 15ml daily of ground linseed, sesame, or sunflower seed for extra calcium and magnesium
– eat garlic, it lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow in the placenta
– Consume protein – 200grams/2 days, then reduce to 80 grams

Must Read: Women do everything they can to optimize their fertility, why don’t Men?

Complementary Therapies

Western Herbalism
– Hops, Skullcap, Hawthorne berries, Dandelion leaves, Nettle leaves, Red raspberry leaves

Homeopathy
– For protein in the urine, swollen hands and feet, irritability, and fatigue, Apis 6c
– For swelling that is worse with physical exertion, with great thirst, Natrum mur. 6c
– For sudden onset, protein in the urine, and symptoms that are worse after 3 pm, Belladonna 6c

Relaxation
– Breathe deeply
– Visualization
– Yoga
– Positive thinking