Patient's question:
I am 7 months pregnant. During a hospital check-up, I was found to have high blood pressure. At that time, my blood pressure was measured at 160/90mmHg. I have been in good health overall, and I had never noticed high blood pressure before. After learning that my blood pressure is high, I feel very nervous and dare not take medication, fearing it will affect the baby's development. Now, I occasionally feel dizzy, and sometimes I don't sleep well at night.What kind of help do I need: What foods or medications should pregnant women with high blood pressure eat or take?
Doctor's answer:
A pregnant woman with high blood pressure needs to be cautious about gestational hypertension, a condition unique to pregnancy that severely affects the health of both the mother and child, being a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. If gestational hypertension is diagnosed, rest is essential, ensuring sufficient deep sleep, with a left lateral position, resting for at least 10 hours, and taking sedatives to reduce mental stress. Close monitoring of the mother and child's condition is necessary, especially if symptoms such as headaches, changes in vision, or upper abdominal discomfort reappear. Daily weight and blood pressure measurements should be taken, with periodic urine protein tests. Blood tests, fetal growth and development, and placental function should also be monitored regularly. Periodic oxygen supplementation, along with adequate protein and calorie intake, is recommended. If blood pressure decreases, treatment for preeclampsia should be initiated. Antihypertensive medications such as labetalol, nifedipine, nimodipine, and sodium nitroprusside can be used. It is advised to consult an obstetric clinic for comprehensive evaluation and treatment based on other clinical diagnostic data.