I originally posted this as a reply but thought I'd add it as a new post as I think this may help a lot of people. - I'd like to add also that some people are taking asprin to help with BP I believe this risky - as it can cause Abrupto Placentia which is very serious (read up about this) Asprin is one of the found causes. As always take care ALL! (I'd like to add that in some cases I realize low dose therapy for help in preventing pree. symptoms may help - and in those who take it to help prevent blood clot.) - Vitamin E is a natural antithrombin to help prevent clots. - If you like ask your dr. about it for this purpose perhaps, if you perfer a more natural approach.
For basic overall health here's some of my personal suggestions in relation to pregnancy and bp as well:
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 (if you feel this is necessary to your health and if possible - push for it if need be) - 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, 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.
- On a further note anyone In the mood for Italian?? [;)] Wanted to add: Garlic (when crushed contains allicin (avail. in capsules too) ) is good for the heart and in preventing blood clots and lowering cholesterol/blood pressure, reduce risk of developing atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries), & also can kill organisms like bacteria and viruses; Oregano (spice on about every spice rack) is helpful in lowering blood pressure as well among other things like antibacterial actions and a digestive aid.(This info. taken from "Recipes from the Herbal Kitchen" by Prevention health books' Editors.) Check with you dr if these might be okay for you. -
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 - as they can help even if they may not prevent pree. completely.
{Here's my information on these vitamins}:
Vit.C:antioxident, helps build immune system, and promotes healing.
Calcium for instance helps:heart rhythm, promotes restful sleep, nerve muscle function, and normal blood pressure.
Magnesium:regulates heart rhythm and converts blood sugar.
Vitamin E: besides being an antioxidant,it's an antithrombin, it also decreases the oxygen requirements of muscles, helps prevent scar tissue production, and is a dilator of blood vessels (opening up new pathways in damaged circulation)- {info. taken from this book: "Instant Health The Nature Way": Dr.Shute says regarding Vit. E ..."key both to the prevention and treatment of all those conditions in which a lack of blood supply due to thickened or blocked blood vessels or a lack of oxygen is a factor.."
*Also for a healthy nervous system make sure you're getting adequate amounts of B vitamins and are not deficient - This is important as well and can be aquired in a balanced diet if not supplemented.
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 I personally like What to Expect When your Expecting- I have a current version of the book, yet not all including myself reccomend it as being thorough in regards to PIH/Pree. It has information on many overall basic pregnancy info. it only contains brief discription of PIH/Pree. always research further for more info regarding Pree. as well -
This book does contain info on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) that may interest some thoughpage 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
