Preventing High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy
If you are thinking about having a baby and you have
high blood pressure, talk first to your healthcare provider. Taking steps to control your
blood pressure during pregnancy and before you become pregnant will go a long way toward ensuring your well-being and your baby's health.
Prior to Becoming Pregnant
Before becoming pregnant:
- Make sure that your blood pressure is under control. Lifestyle changes, such as participating in regular physical activity, limiting your salt intake, and losing weight (if you are overweight), can be helpful.
- Ask your healthcare provider about how high blood pressure during pregnancy might affect you and your baby, and learn what you can do to prevent or minimize problems.
- If you take medication for high blood pressure, ask your doctor whether you should change the amount you take or stop taking it during pregnancy. Experts currently recommend avoiding angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) during pregnancy; other blood pressure medicine may be okay for you to use. Do not, however, stop or change your blood pressure medicines unless your doctor tells you to do so.
While Pregnant
During your pregnancy:
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco
- Obtain regular prenatal medical care
- Talk to your doctor about any over-the-counter medications you are taking or are thinking about taking.
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