Preventing Hypertension in Pregnancy
If you are thinking about having a baby and you have
hypertension, speak to your healthcare provider. Taking steps to control your
blood pressure before and during pregnancy -- and getting regular
prenatal care -- go a long way toward ensuring your well-being and your baby's health.
Before Becoming Pregnant
Prior to becoming pregnant:
- Discuss with your healthcare provider how hypertension might affect you and your baby during pregnancy and what you can do to prevent or lessen problems.
- Be sure that your blood pressure is under control. Lifestyle changes -- such as limiting your salt intake, participating in regular physical activity, and losing weight if you are overweight -- can be helpful.
- If you take hypertension medication, ask your healthcare provider 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 antagonists (ARBs) during pregnancy; other blood pressure medicine may be OK for you to use. Do not, however, stop or change your hypertension medicines unless your healthcare provider tells you to do so.
While Pregnant
While you are pregnant:
- Obtain regular prenatal medical care
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco
- Talk to your healthcare provider about any over-the-counter medications you are taking or are thinking about taking.
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