Blood Pressue in Pregnancy

I am a midwife and former Respiratory Therapist. Your top number, also called the systolic pressure is normal and not that much higher than your normal baseline. The bottom number, the distolic pressure is higher than it should be, however when you see just the bottom number higher than it should be and not the top number this is indicative of you being nervous. That is why the nurse asked if you were nervous. No need to worry about the bottom number being higher than normal. Also, just having high blood pressure in pregnancy is not a diagnosis of preeclampsia. High blood pressure in pregnancy is called Pregnancy Induced hypertension and you can have this without developing preeclampia. You must have two of the following symptoms to be diagnosed with preeclampia: high blood pressure, high amount of protein in the urine, elevated liver enzymes, pitting edema in the extremities.
The best thing you can do to help prevent preeclampsia is to get on the Brewer diet. This involves eating 60-80 grams of protein a day. Preeclampsia occurs when the blood volume does not expand in the second trimester of pregnancy. This causes extra stress on the liver and kidneys. By getting adequate amounts of protein you help the blood volume to double. The diet was created by Dr. Tom Brewer, a physician who did tons of research on preeclampsia, the causes of it and how to avoid it.

Lisa

I was pregnant with twins, so the high blood pressure was an issue, along with gaining a lot of weight in a short time period. I visited the Dr every week; and one week towards the end i gained 10 lbs in a week. This was large concern, and my blood pressure was the next test. it was high, but the dr always had me rest on my left side and came back to get my resting bp, which was usually ok. By 38 weeks though, i was pre-eclamptic, and had to be induced. My top # was 205! I cannot remember what my bottom number was. Typically, i'm like 90 / 50.... which is good, and obviously there was reason for concern. Your kids are young, so little breaks are likely impossible, but try to give yourself some breaks. Not only do you have to take care of the little ones you have, but you have to take care of you and the little one in your belly.

I too, had preelamsia with my second child. So, I too, was very nervous about getting it again with my third pregnancy. You don't want your blood pressure to go over 150 over 90. I can't tell you the difference between the top or bottom numbers.

My OBGYN spoke with a high risk specialist who reccommended a baby aspirin a day during the pregnancy. In the end, the doctor had to order me on modified bedrest and a nurse called daily to ask for my BP readings and protein levels. But, between the baby aspirin and the doctor's orders, I managed to not get preelamsia again.

When you walk into the doctor's office and your blood pressure is high, they will retake it. They will also order blood tests. If it is still high, then they will move to the next strategy to keep it down.

So my recommendation for you is to think about what will happen to your other two kids if you are placed on bedrest? It is best to have a plan because, as you know preelamsia, can happen quickly.

Good luck and congratulations on your pregnancy!

I'm not really sure about the specifics of the numbers, but one thing I have read is that pregnant women can get high blood pressure if their diet doesn't have enough protein in it. So, please make sure you are getting ample protein. Almonds are a great way to get protein mid-day. Just a small handful throughout your day should help a lot. Best wishes to you. I'm excited for you and your pregnancy. BP changes constantly, too. Your doc should take multiple readings when you are there (if they are monitoring you). When you walk in, it should be higher because you are exerting yourself just to walk in. Then, they should take a resting reading. I hope you are able to get some really good answers that will explain things for you. Blessings!

I had high blood pressure with my first 2 pregnancies; always in the 130/90 range. Then for my third pregnancy I bought an at home tester and checked my blood pressure every evening AFTER my older two were in bed. My readings were NEVER more than 120/80. I brought my tester in to the office so my doc could check it against the readings he got and they were comparable. We determined that I have 'white coat syndrome'. Basically, I worry about having high blood pressure which GIVES me high blood pressure. They kept taking my readings at the apts, but went by the daily at home readings I'd bring to every apt. Maybe that's something you could try? My doc even went so far as guessing that, maybe I didn't *actually* have high BP during my first 2 pregnancies! At least I didn't end up on medication for them :) Good luck and congrats on your pregnancy.

Oh, I also took calcium in addition to my prenatal vits. I'd read that it helps with BP in women who've had high BP before. Plus, it helped keep my teeth healthier this time around!

I know when I go to the doctor the nurse checks my bp a few minutes after I arrive in the room. then I sit and wait and about 10 - 15 minutes later the doctor comes in and re-checks it so it should be accurate. Diet and excercise help to lower the BP. I did not have BP issues until I became a diabetic could your sugar be out of whack?
Are you in a salty kick? all things to consider.
Best wishes.

Your blood pressure is not in the alarming rang yet, I would try to relax. Maybe tak a yaga for pregnant women, or something to relax you. Also with pre-eclampsia you shed proteins in your urine so if your doctors are not concerned please try to relax.

I had the same with my first child ~ developed pre-eclampsia late. With my second child, my bp started to rise too. I, like you, typically have very low bp. My dr. would take my bp, complete the exam, & send me to the hospital for an hour long observation. This was in the last couple of months of my pregnancy though. My bp always ended up being OK & I'd be sent home. Good luck!