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Home > Health Guides > Gestational Hypertension |
 What are the symptoms?Symptoms, which appear after the twentieth week of pregnancy, include swelling of the face and hands, visual disturbances, headache, high blood pressure, and a yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes. Dietary changes that may be helpfulUnlike salt restriction in primary hypertension, a low-salt diet has not been shown to have a significant effect in reducing high blood pressure during pregnancy.5 6 7 As a result, salt restriction is not recommended to women with GH.8 Increased consumption of fish was associated with reduced risk of GH in one preliminary study.9 In this study, the incidence of hypertension during pregnancy was significantly higher in women from communities with lower consumption of fish and lower in women from communities with high fish consumption. Lifestyle changes that may be helpfulIn GH, regular checkups during pregnancy and after delivery are needed for the prevention and early detection of preeclampsia and chronic hypertension.10 11 12 Job stress (lack of control over work pace and the timing and frequency of breaks) has been reported to be detrimental; therefore, reducing job stress may be beneficial in the prevention of GH.13 In a preliminary study, women exposed to high job stress were found to be at greater risk of developing GH than were women with low job stress.14 The common practice of prescribing bed rest for women with GH has been questioned by some researchers.15 In the few studies examining this issue, results have been inconsistent.16 17 While one controlled study found that bed rest reduced progression of GH to severe hypertension,18 evidence is currently insufficient to determine whether bed rest reduces blood pressure in women with GH. Other therapiesTreatment for GH includes bed rest, restriction of sodium intake, and, if necessary, hospitalization for observation. Intravenous magnesium solutions are occasionally recommended. The definitive treatment is termination of the pregnancy by induced delivery or cesarean section. Vitamins that may be helpfulCalcium deficiency has been implicated as a possible cause of GH.19 20 In two preliminary studies, women who developed GH were found to have significantly lower dietary calcium intake than did pregnant women with normal blood pressure.21 22 Calcium supplementation has significantly reduced the incidence of GH in preliminary studies23 and in many,24 25 26 27 28 29 though not all,30 double-blind trials. Calcium supplements may be most effective in preventing GH in women who have low dietary intake of calcium. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends an intake of 1,200 to 1,500 mg of calcium daily during normal pregnancy.31 In women at risk of GH, studies showing reduced incidence have typically used 2,000 mg of supplemental calcium per day,32 33 34 35 36 37 without any reported maternal or fetal side effects.38 39 Nonetheless, many doctors continue to suggest amounts no higher than 1,500 mg per day. Magnesium deficiency has also been implicated as a possible cause of GH.40 41 42 Dietary intake of magnesium is below recommended levels for many women during pregnancy.43 44 Magnesium supplementation has been reported to reduce the incidence of GH in preliminary45 and many double-blind trials.46 47 In addition to preventing GH, magnesium supplementation has also been reported to reduce the severity of established GH in one study.48 Amounts used in studies on GH range from 165 to 365 mg of supplemental magnesium per day. Zinc supplementation (20 mg per day) was reported to reduce the incidence of GH in one double-blind trial studying a group of low-income Hispanic pregnant women who were not zinc deficient.49 Antioxidant levels in the blood of women with GH appear to be reduced in some,50 51 52 but not all,53 preliminary studies. No studies have yet been conducted evaluating the effects of antioxidant supplementation on the incidence or severity of GH. References (To view, roll mouse over the "References" heading; to hide, click on the heading) 
Copyright © 2009 Aisle7 All rights reserved. www.Aisle7.net Learn more about the authors of Aisle7 products. The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires February 2010. | |
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Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies
suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.