Need To Get My BP Down

[LouisaJF]

Any tips?

I'm 38 weeks and my blood pressure was up last week so MW booked me in for an extra appointment today. I spent the morning on the sofa and when I turned up to the appoinment my BP was high. She tested again and it had come down but was still up. It is within the confines of what it is allowed to be but is creeping up so I've got another check next week. She was also a little concerned that my feet were a little swollen.

Obviously I know I need to look after myself but I'm barely doing anything as it is. I'm not good at sitting doing nothing but I'm getting better at it as I'm too huge to move.

Does anyone know what I can do to try and keep my blood pressure down at all?

There's really nothing you can do. Sorry. If you were earlier on in your pregnancy bed rest would be recommended along with bp medications to keep it down and the baby inside 'cooking'. I'd say the option for yourself will be delivery.

Keep an eye on movements and counting the kicks of your baby and your own symptoms. Contact the hospital immediately should you have signs of pre-eclampsia.

What's your diet like? stay away from fatty and salty foods also red meat - these take ur BP up, get as much rest as possible, stay calm & relaxed - stress also takes your BP up, drink more water - being properly hydrated brings it down, & if you can get any exercise at all it will help - even walking or maybe a pregnancy yoga DVD at home?

Also if could get acupuncture this could help.

I work in a natural health & fitness clinic an help people get their BP down on a daily basis, it's never too late to make a small difference. Obviously in pregnancy it's harder and a high BP is a sign of pre ecclamp so you need to keep an eye on it, but the more natural you keep your diet the better.

Hope everything is ok

Hayley xx

Thanks very much.

When at work I drink 1.5 litres of water a day. However, since I stopped work I haven't been drinking much and this has coincided with my blood pressure going up. Over the last week I have increased my water intake again and my blood pressure and swelling has gone down.

A big relief and such an easy fix.

Bananas - eat a few everyday. I had highish BP early on but ate porridge every morning and at least two bananas and oranges/day and my BP has been normal for months now (better than normal!). Am 36 weeks.