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Gestational Hypertension
A healthy pregnancy starts with a healthy mother-to-be. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
- Get more calcium
Supplement with 1,200 to 1,500 mg a day to reduce risk
- Mix in some magnesium
Take a 300 mg per day of this essential mineral to help prevent gestational hypertension or reduce its severity
- Address your stress
Try meditation, counseling, and other methods that can ease the stress that contributes to gestational hypertension
- Manage your medications
If you’re taking blood pressure medication, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to determine if you should increase your intake of potassium
- Go for routine checkups
See your pregnancy caregiver for blood-pressure checks and other important tests
Also indexed as:
- gestational hypertension,
- preeclampsia,
- pre-eclampsia,
- pregnancy induced hypertension,
- toxemia of pregnancy
About this treatment
About This Condition
Gestational hypertension (GH) is high blood pressure that develops after the twentieth week of pregnancy and returns to normal after delivery, in women with previously normal blood pressure.
GH may be an early sign of either preeclampsia or chronic hypertension. If these complications do not develop, or if chronic hypertension develops but remains mild, the outcome of pregnancy is usually good for both the mother and newborn. GH has been shown to occur more frequently in women who are obese or in those who are glucose-intolerant.
Symptoms
Symptoms, which appear after the twentieth week of pregnancy, include swelling of the face and hands, visual disturbances, headache, high blood pressure, and a yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes.
Last Review: 05-11-2011
Copyright © 2011 Aisle7. All rights reserved. www.Aisle7.net
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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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