How to Naturally Lower Blood Pressure During Pregnancy

High blood pressure during pregnancy causes is linked to many conditions, dangerous to both the mother and the unborn child. The most well known of these is Pre-eclampsia, which is seen in up to five percent of all pregnancies. Fortunately, with quality prenatal care risks can be minimized. There are natural measures a pregnant woman can take to lower high blood pressure.

Instructions

1

Reduce your salt intake. Limit the amount of processed foods, fast foods and salty snacks that you eat. Doctors caution patients that a diet that is too high in salt can increase blood pressure

2

Use massage or reflexology therapy in order to de-stress and reduce your blood pressure. Massage therapy works well by removing built up areas of stress and tension. You can also benefit from maternity reflexology designed to relax an expectant mother.

3

Mediate in order to decrease stress levels and lower your blood pressure. Find a quiet place and listen to relaxing music. Take time to breathe in and out slowly, breathing in for a count of 3 and exhaling for a count of 4. Starting from your toes, slowly start to tense and then relax areas of your body until you get to your eyebrows.

4

Increase your intake of foods high in potassium. Adequate levels of potassium will help you maintain a healthy blood pressure. Many fruits and vegetables are high in potassium. Enjoy oranges, bananas, potatoes, zucchini, watermelon and cantaloupe as sources of potassium. Consult your obstetrician for a list of other potassium rich foods.

5

Maintain a healthy weight during your pregnancy. Of course, you are going to gain weight when pregnant but you must stay within the health weight gain range for your overall health. Excess weight can increase blood pressure. Your doctor can provide advice as to how much you need to increase your calorie intake in order to gain a healthy weight.