Underlying Chronic Hypertension... UGH

meck716

So it turns out I have underlying chronic hypertension.  When I was in my early 20's I had a serious case of white coat hypertension - but only at my primary care doctor.  My OB always got good readings.  For the past 10 years, whether my weight was up or down, I was fine.  Now, it seems as though my pregnancy has brought this underlying problem to the surface.  My OB put me on BP meds and I have to do the 24 urine collection and will be checked more regularly.

Does anyone else have any experiences with Chronic Hypertension during pregnancy?  Are there any other natural things I can do to help?  I'm thinking of looking for a prenatal yoga DVD and learning some meditation techniques.  Any stories or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Ladiebug30

I was diagnosed with chronic hypertension during my first pregnancy. I was put on labetalol (sp?) and had to do the 24 hour thing. Had to do it again around 38 weeks because they wanted to check for Pre-E. Everything was fine though. I tried very hard to limit my sodium intake and drink plenty of water. I also took lots of walks. After delivery, my BP went normal and I was taken off the medicine. It's been normal ever since. I was concerned that it would be up for this pregnancy too but it has always been great on my machine at home and in the OB office ... well, aside from the one time I had to take my 1 year old with me and he had me super stressed out. I had to do the 24 hour collection at the beginning of this pregnancy because I had a history of high BP but they just wanted a base line in case things go nutty later. 

deanna1313

Do you mind my asking what your BP was when they decided to put you in meds?
I have posted some complaints about my heart racing, pounding and etc. although I feel better now I still can't help but worry that I may end up with high blood pressure during pregnancy. My heart rate is a little high, I think.

dragossoul84

Prior to getting pregnant I had stage 2 chronic hypertension I was put on Labetalol and had to cut sodium out of my diet. I did the urine catch no less than 4 times it was a pain. Cutting down on the sodium was the only trick I know of but it does help. Oddly enough after I had DS the problem went away its almost 2 years later and I have been off meds I don't know why though

JennyLynne

I have had chronic hypertension since I was in my mid 20s and have been medicated for it just as long. Natural remedies never worked for me, which is why we did the meds. Regular exercise is a big one. Also, a low sodium diet. The DASH  diet is the big one that most health care providers recommend. 

I talked to my OB yesterday actually about my BP because I've been terrible about taking my meds but my BP has stayed relatively normal-ish (yesterday I was 120/84). He said that nowadays they say not to put pregnant women on BP meds for high BP unless their pregnancy-induced BP is at least 150/105. However since mine gets up to 160/110 or 120 that I need to get my butt in gear about taking mine. 
Hope this helps!

CMDR513

With DS, mine began rising around 27 weeks. At 36w1d, I was hospitalized after 150/110. I completed 24 hr urine and it was borderline for pre-e (300). I was dx with superimposed pre-e and then began an induction. My salt intake wasn't bad. My BP has always fluctuated. I was put on medication for a few weeks after delivery.

deanna1313

Good to know. Mine isn't nearly that high, but with some of the symptoms I had been having it made me nervous. Mine has gone up to 130 at the highest. Bottom number is always below 80. I guess my heart rate being up isn't a concern. It gets in the 90's.

meck716

Mine, at its highest, was 150/90