Hypertension or high blood pressure is one of the most common health conditions worldwide. Many pregnant women suffer from hypertension during pregnancy which is termed as gestational diabetes. World Hypertension Day is meant to create awareness about hypertension condition, its triggers, visible symptoms and how it can be prevented. When your blood pressure crosses the range of 14/90, it is considered to be high BP or hypertension. Most women who are first-time pregnant or those who are carrying twins or multiple babies are at a greater risk of gestational hypertension. To know more about this, read ahead.
Types of Hypertension During Pregnancy
There are three major categories of high BP in a pregnant woman. These are:
Chronic Hypertension- It is when hypertension is developed before conception and it generally lasts for 12 weeks post-delivery.
Gestational Hypertension- This type is developed during pregnancy and therefore it is also called pregnancy-induced hypertension. In most cases, it is induced in the second trimester and recedes with delivery.
Preeclampsia- This condition arises as a repercussion of gestational or chronic hypertension. This needs to be addressed on time or else it can turn fatal for mother and child.
Risk factors for gestational hypertension
- The risk of gestational hypertension is high in women:
- Who are first-time mothers
- Who are carrying multiple babies
- Who are either below 20 years or above 40 years
- Whose mother or sister has gestational hypertension
- Who is a patient of high BP or kidney ailment or had these before conception.
Diet To Prevent Gestational Hypertension
A diet of an expecting woman should be a healthy and balanced one. Those who have gestational hypertension need to take special care. Here are some dietary recommendations for pregnancy-induced hypertension or foods to prevent gestational hypertension.
Also Read: Eating Watermelon Can Aid Hypertension or High BP, Says Dietitian
1. Foods high in Fatty Acids
Fatty acids are good to control hypertension and therefore you must include these fruits, nuts and oils in your diet:
- Walnuts
- Hazelnuts
- Brazil nuts
- Pumpkin nuts
- Chia seeds
- Avocado
- Olive oil
- Coconut oil
- Flaxseed oil
2. Calcium & Magnesium Foods
Green leafy vegetables have high magnesium and calcium content and you must add these veggies in your plate:
- Kale
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Green beans
- Peas
- Asparagus
- Celery
- Carrot
- Tomatoes
- Sweet potato
- Onion
- Garlic
Fruits:
- Pineapple
- Pomegranate
- Pears
- Plums
- Apricots
- Apples
- Strawberries
- Grapefruit
3. Vitamin D Supplement
Many times, Vitamin-D deficiency is the primary cause of gestational hypertension. Here is a list of foods that are rich in Vitamin-D.
Vegetarian options- Orange juice, Soy milk, Cheese
Non-vegetarian options- Egg yolks, Beef Liver, Salmon, Tuna and Mackerel.
You must also take sunshine as it is a natural source of Vitamin D but that might not suffice the need. Therefore, taking vitamin D supplements is also advised.
Also Read: Walking 10,000 Steps Daily Can Control Hypertension
4. Fermented Milk Products
The bacterial strains present in fermented products help in controlling blood pressure. It is suggested to consume at least one fermented milk product daily to regulate gestational hypertension. Consume these foods:
- Yogurt
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Cheddar cheese
5. Whole Grains
- Whole wheat flour
- Buckwheat flour
- Millet
- Oats
- Brown rice
- Quinoa
Read More in Healthy Diet
