Matty,
The best thing you can do is make sure you have a perinatologist or atleast if you keep a regular OB seek also a 2nd opinion of a perinatologist OB dr. so you get the best dr. advice possible. Research Preeclampsia as best as possible, stop working if you are working - try to get state disability payments tell your dr. you want it. Or if you are already not working that is good, - the least activity the better - check with your dr. about what physical activity might be beneficial for your bp. - if you don't agree than don't follow his advice if activities make you feel worse get a 2nd opinion.
I suggest a
balanced diet of protiens like Chicken, Turkey, lean Beef, and Salmon. Fruits and Vegetables (raw is actually better for you) and calcium is very important milk, rice milk, and occasional soy milk, yogurt (add granola on top) and occassional cheese.
Avoid refined sugars (don't overload on holiday treats), avoid as much as possible unnecessary artificial flavors or preservatives (check your ingredient labels for these especially: Phenanyline(in gum usually), aspartame (diet foods/no sugar added, and gum usually have this), MSG (Monosodium Glutimate usually in chips or frozen foods), BHT (a perservative usually in frozen foods and cereals), and Sodium Nitrite (usually in lunch/deli meats and hotdogs)). These are unnecessary toxins your body does not need.
Do not add extra salt to your food.
Avoid high sodium foods - usually snack foods, processed or frozen foods. Avoid Frozen T.V. dinners as much as possible, and processed lunch meats or cheese - usually more sodium and additives than healthy prepared meals. - but
do not avoid salt in foods entirely - as your body needs the sodium also.
Ask your Doctor first but I would add these vitamins to your daily prenatal vitamin regimin:
- Vitamin C 250 or 500mg (look for one with bioflaviniods)
- Vitamin E 200IU or 400 IU (ask for all natural vit.E Double check but I think it should be d-alpha derieved not dl-alpha)
- Calcium/Magnesium complex supplement
lacking these vitamins are possibly related to increase of bp and I suggest them.
And don't forget your water intake - 8-10 glasses a day.
Remove as much stress from your life as possible (if you have any) - and if the stress continues seek to talk with a counselor or someone from church.
I suggest a
yoga video you can use in your own home (make sure it is
for pregnancy/relaxtion - no power yoga stuff) This is also good for relaxation techniques when you feel your bp rising.
If you don't have this book already get
What to Expect When your Expecting. This also has information on well just about everything - and Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
page 246-
A
chiropractor, or massage could be beneficial for pregnancy also but it definitely has to be in the right hands so look into these dr.s first that
know the do's and don'ts of massage during pregnancy - as massage can trigger contractions if the abdomen (massage lightly only) or feet and ankles or webbing between the thumb and index finger are massaged and
don't use aroma therpy oils - they could be too concentrated and harmful to your unborn baby.
Be cautious or avoid herbal teas and herbal remedies during pregnancy and nursing - they are not sure of effects on babies and pregnancy.
Print out my suggestions if they help and
ask your doctor or perinatalogist if they agree with them before you do anything.
Sincerely, someone with a respect for homeopathic techniques combined with doctoral care; and taking care of my own health as well. God Bless, I will pray for you. Feel better! [:)]
Alysa
