Ayurvedic Management Of Gestational Hypertension

Pregnancy is a balancing act, but with the proper knowledge and self-care, you’ve got this!

What Is Gestational Hypertension?

Gestational hypertension, or pregnancy-induced hypertension, is high blood pressure that develops during pregnancy.

Usually, it happens after the 20th week of pregnancy. High blood pressure during pregnancy can harm both the mother and the baby.

What are the reasons for gestational hypertension?

Gestational hypertension, or pregnancy-induced hypertension, can develop for a few reasons.

• Hormonal changes: Pregnancy causes significant fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone, which can lead to increased blood pressure.
• Weight gain: Obesity during pregnancy stresses your circulatory system and can raise your blood pressure.
• Genetics: If you have a family history of hypertension or preeclampsia, you’re more prone to developing high blood pressure during pregnancy.
• Underlying conditions: Conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, or autoimmune disorders increase your risks of gestational hypertension.
• Placental problems: Issues with how the placenta implants or functions can reduce blood flow to the uterus, raising blood pressure.

Risk category for gestational hypertension

If you have gestational hypertension, your Ayurvedic practitioner will determine which risk category you fall into based on your symptoms and medical history. This helps guide an effective treatment plan.

The three main risk categories are:

• Mild: Blood pressure between 140/90 to 149/99 mmHg. You likely have no other symptoms, and your pregnancy is progressing normally. Treatment focuses on lifestyle changes and close monitoring.
• Moderate: Blood pressure between 150/100 to 159/109 mmHg. There may be mild swelling or protein in the urine. Treatment includes lifestyle changes, herbal medicines, and more frequent prenatal checkups. Hospitalization and early delivery may be recommended if your condition worsens or is uncontrolled.
• Severe: Blood pressure 160/110 mmHg or higher. Symptoms like painful swelling, headaches, and vision changes are present. This is a medical emergency requiring hospitalization, medication, and likely early delivery for your and your baby’s safety.

Potential risks and complications

Gestational hypertension can potentially lead to complications if left uncontrolled. Some risks to be aware of include:

• Premature birth: High blood pressure may cause your baby to be born too early. Premature babies face health issues and require intensive care.
• Placental abruption: Gestational hypertension causes the placenta separates from the uterus before delivery. This can deprive the baby of nutrients and oxygen and cause heavy bleeding.
• Preeclampsia: A severe condition due to high bp and signs of damage to another organ system, often the kidneys. Preeclampsia requires immediate treatment and may require early delivery.
• Low birth weight: High blood pressure can slow a baby’s growth in the womb. Babies with low birth weight may face health problems after birth.
• Stillbirth: Rarely untreated severe high blood pressure can lead to the baby’s death in the womb after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Close monitoring of your baby’s health and growth is essential.
• Health issues in mother: Chronic high blood pressure during and after pregnancy puts you at higher risk of heart and kidney disease later in life. Be sure to continue to follow up with your doctor even after delivery.
• By recognizing these potential risks early on, making positive lifestyle changes, and following your doctor’s recommendations, you can reduce complications and have a healthy pregnancy. 

Monitoring and diagnosis

To properly monitor and diagnose gestational hypertension, several factors should be considered.

Have your bp checked at each prenatal visit. 

140/90 mm Hg or higher on two occasions 6 hours apart could indicate gestational hypertension. 

Be aware that blood pressure naturally tends to be lower during pregnancy, so a rise could cause concern even if the reading is still in the normal range.

Watch for symptoms like headaches, changes in vision, nausea, and facial or hand swelling. While mild swelling is joint during pregnancy, rapid or excessive swelling can signify a hypertensive condition.

Your doctor may advise blood and urine tests to check for signs of preeclampsia, a dangerous complication of gestational hypertension. Elevated liver enzymes or protein in the urine are red flags. 

They may also monitor fetal growth and well-being.

If gestational hypertension or preeclampsia is diagnosed, additional monitoring, such as non-stress tests and biophysical profiles, will likely be recommended. 

Close observation is critical.

The most important thing is to stay in close contact with your doctor, report any concerning symptoms immediately, attend all follow-up visits, and follow the recommended treatment plan. 

Properly monitoring and diagnosing gestational hypertension is essential to managing risks and ensuring the best possible outcome.

Ayurvedic management for gestational hypertension

Ayurveda offers safe and effective ways to manage gestational hypertension. The main goals are balancing doshas, reducing high blood pressure, and preventing complications. Some key recommendations include:

• Start consuming kashaya prepared out of gokshura along with milk (Palkashayam)
• Drugs like Satavari, Guduchi, Amalaki, Draksha, and Jeevanti can act as Garbhini Rasayana. 
• Drugs and diet contain flavonoids like pomegranate, dried grapes, gooseberry, etc. It can prevent pregnancy-induced hypertension.
• Applying diluted lavender, clary sage, or rose essential oil to pulse points or inhaling the aroma can be calming. Use caution and check with your doctor, as some essential oils may interact with medications.
• Abhyanga or oil massage with dhanwantaram taila or bala taila provides nourishment, promotes relaxation, and regulates blood flow. Gently massage limbs and abdomen, avoiding pressure points.

Lifestyle modification

Lifestyle plays a vital role in the management of gestational hypertension. Healthy changes can help lower your blood pressure and support a healthy pregnancy.

• Reduce stress: Too much stress can elevate your blood pressure. Try yoga, meditation, or breathing techniques to help unwind. Limit stressful activities when possible.
• Exercise regularly: Go for walks, do gentle yoga, or swim. Do 30 minutes of moderate activity most days. Training is excellent for both body and mind. But don’t overexert yourself. Listen to your body and talk to your doctor about any exercise concerns.
• Eat a balanced diet: Focus on whole foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit excess salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Get enough rest: Sleep well,7 to 9 hours per night. Lack of sleep may raise your blood pressure. Rest also helps your body and baby.

Yoga

Yoga and pranayama (controlled breathing) practices relieve stress and anxiety during pregnancy. Some gentle yoga poses to try include:

• Cat/cow poses: Slowly arch and round your back to loosen your spine.
• Bridge pose: Lie on your back with your knees bent and lift your hips while squeezing your glutes.
• Seated twist: Sit with one leg extended, bend the other knee, and place the sole of your foot against the inner thigh. Twist your torso to look behind you.

For pranayama, practice diaphragmatic breathing:

1. Sit comfortably with your hands on your belly.
2. Inhale through your nose so your belly expands.
3. Exhale through your mouth, making a “ha” sound while contracting your abs.

Prenatal yoga and deep breathing are natural ways to ease anxiety and promote relaxation during pregnancy.

Be gentle, listen to your body, and don’t push past your comfort level.

Even 10-15 minutes a day of these practices can help shift your mind and body into a calm state, benefitting you and your baby. Why not give them a try?

Diet

Regarding diet, maintaining hypertension during pregnancy is all about moderation and balance. Some key things to consider:

• Reduce excess salt in your diet. Cut back on high-sodium foods like chips, pretzels, canned soups, and sauces. Also, avoid adding extra salt while cooking or at the table. Excess sodium can cause fluid retention and raise blood pressure.
• Eat a balanced diet. Include fresh fruits and vegetables. Take whole grains and lean proteins. Focus on potassium-rich foods like bananas, sweet potatoes, beans, and leafy greens, which can help lower blood pressure.
• Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. Dehydration can cause a spike in blood pressure. Aim for 6-8 glasses of water per day.
• Limit caffeine and alcohol intake, which can cause blood pressure to rise. Have no more than 1 cup of coffee and avoid alcohol when possible.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Losing weight can help get your blood pressure under control.

Conclusion

So there you have it – an overview of how Ayurveda approaches gestational hypertension care.

The key is really focusing on diet, lifestyle, and targeted herbal support.

Eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, reducing stress, and getting light daily exercise can support healthy blood pressure during pregnancy.

Specific herbs like brahmi, jatamansi, and shatavari nourish the reproductive system and help alleviate excess vata and pitta, which can aggravate hypertension. If you’re struggling with high blood pressure during pregnancy, try giving some of these Ayurvedic recommendations – your body and baby will thank you for it. Here’s to a happy, healthy pregnancy!