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Diet Recommendations to Reduce High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy
High Blood Pressure or hypertension is one of the most common conditions that many pregnant women suffer from. Hypertension is indicated by blood pressure equal to or more than 140/90. It is generally found in cases of first-time pregnancy or when carrying multiple babies. Obesity, smoking and drinking are typical causes of hypertension in pregnant women.
High blood pressure during pregnancy can be of the following types:
Chronic Hypertension – It is the high blood pressure developed before the pregnancy. It lasts for about 12 weeks or more after the delivery.
Gestational Hypertension – This type, also known as pregnancy-induced hypertension, develops during pregnancy, especially after 20 weeks of pregnancy, and generally recedes with delivery.
Preeclampsia – This is a serious condition in pregnant women which is a repercussion of chronic and gestational hypertension. After 20 weeks of pregnancy, a woman would experience hypertension as well as protein in the urine. It can be fatal for the mother and baby if left untreated
Foods to Control High Blood Pressure While Pregnant
A balanced and healthy diet is the only solution to fight high blood pressure in expectant mothers. You can include the following foods to lower high blood pressure during pregnancy:
1. Foods With Sources of Fatty Acid
Foods that are rich in essential fatty acids help to fight hypertension. You must include a variety of nuts, seeds and fruits in your diet. For example:
Chia seed
Avocado
Hazelnuts
Walnuts
Brazil nuts
Pumpkin nuts
Some oils that contain essential fatty acids in huge amounts are:
Flax-seed oil
Coconut oil
Olive oil
Fish oil
You can also have oily fish like salmon, herring, sardines and mackerel. Remember to avoid food items with added salt.
2. Foods Rich in Calcium & Magnesium
Your high blood pressure pregnancy diet must have plenty of calcium and magnesium. They not only reduce but also prevent hypertension in pregnant women.
Calcium and magnesium are found in abundance in green leafy vegetables like:
Spinach
Kale
Broccoli
Collard greens
You can also include other vegetables like:
Tomatoes
Carrot
Green beans
Peas
Onion
Sweet potato
Asparagus
Celery
Squash
Garlic
Different varieties of fruits should also be eaten:
Pears
Apricots
Pineapple
Strawberries
Grapefruit
Apples
Plums
Pomegranate
3. Vitamin D Supplement
Hypertension can occur as a result of a deficiency of Vitamin D in pregnant women. Foods that contain Vitamin D are:
Cheese
Egg yolks
Beef Liver
Mackerel, tuna and salmon
Others foods that are fortified with Vitamin D, such as orange juice, soy milk and some dairy products and cereals
We all know that sunshine is a good source of Vitamin D. However, food and sunshine cannot meet the body’s requirement for adequate Vitamin D. Therefore, pregnant women are recommended to take Vitamin D supplements regularly. Always consult your doctor before you so.
4. Whole Grains
Every day, you must eat three-four portions of whole grains like:
Oats
Millet
Whole wheat flour
Brown rice
Buckwheat
Rye
Quinoa
These whole grains are rich in soluble fibre that control hypertension. They also help in reducing the need for medicines to treat high blood pressure.
5. Fermented Milk Products
Fermented milk products have some bacterial strains that can lower high blood pressure. It is advisable to incorporate products such as:
Natural yoghurt
Parmesan cheese
Cheddar cheese
Mozzarella cheese
You must have one or two portions of these fermented milk products daily.
The key to fighting hypertension during pregnancy is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The high blood pressure pregnancy diet must be low on sodium and fats and low salt intake. A healthy diet that includes whole grains and lots of fruits and vegetables can help solve your dilemma about what to eat to reduce high blood pressure during pregnancy. Steer clear from unhealthy lifestyle choices like alcohol and smoking and always stay active. Now that you know what to eat to reduce high blood pressure during pregnancy, these measures will only help you ensure a safe, healthy and smooth pregnancy.
Also Read: Natural Remedies to Manage High BP while Pregnant
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How to Deal with Dizziness in Children
Dizziness in children is often difficult to detect. Children are at times unable to explain the problem properly and in their playfulness may not notice it at all.
If a healthy child suddenly feels lightheaded or unsteady, there is not much to worry about. It may be a natural phenomenon caused by a simple spinning motion during playtime or due to moving up very fast from a particular position.
Please also note that vertigo and dizziness are not one and the same thing. Dizziness is an overall feeling of being lightheaded, unsteady, disoriented etc. symptoms of which we will discuss in details in a section below. Vertigo, on the other hand, is a different and definite kind of dizziness. Vertigo in children may be suspected if they complain of dizziness accompanied by a spinning sensation of the entire room and the sensation of titling, rocking and/or flipping.
However, if either vertigo or dizziness persists and aggravates you should consult your doctor immediately because studies indicate that many of the cases of dizziness in children go unreported because they cannot be identified easily.
Common Causes of Dizziness in Kids
The cause of dizziness in children is varied. One has to identify whether the cause is physiological or psychological. Dizziness is caused by the conditions mentioned below:
Ear Problems
Disorder of the inner ear or Meniere's disease.
Excessive buildup of fluid in the inner ear.
Some other inner-ear problem or infection
Brain or Head Problems
Migraine: A disease marked mainly by a specific type of headache, motion sickness, nausea and some other signs and symptoms. However, note that a vestibular migraine may not be accompanied by a headache. It may rather involve vertigo, motion, light sensitivity etc.
Epilepsy: A problem in the functioning of the brain cells.
Chiari 1: Malformation of the cerebellar (part of the brain) tonsils.
Genetic ataxia: Damage in the cerebellum, spinal cord or some other nerve because of a faulty gene.
A brain tumour
Head injury
Other Medical Problems
Benign Paroxysmal Vertigo that is accompanied by bouts of vertigo and balance problem without hearing loss or tinnitus.
MDD (Mal de Debarquement) is a kind of vertigo, rocking sensations that happen after a boat, ship or any other kind of sea travel.
Drop in blood pressure, accompanied by Syncope or temporary fainting.
Hyperventilation (over-breathing) or holding one’s breath
Hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones.
A cardiac problem
Developmental delay
Muscle pain or problems
Dehydration
Anaemia
Psychological distress
Hysteria
Seizures
Anxiety
Signs and Symptoms of Dizziness
The first step is to understand if the child is really suffering from clinical dizziness. Watch out if the child persistently complains of a feeling of being:
Light-headed
Heavy-headed
Foggy or cloudy sensation
Woozy movement or feeling
Spinning head
Unsteady gait
Darting/jumping eyes
In very young children it is very difficult to detect. Watch out if the child:
Reports that his/her tummy or head feels uncomfortable
Walks unsteadily
Clumsy in their activities
Tends to fall down
Displays disturbance or developmental delay in motor skills like difficulty on holding the head upright, crawling, standing and finally walking.
In extreme cases, dizziness may be accompanied by unconsciousness/fainting as well. Please see a doctor for treatment immediately.
How to Treat Dizziness in Children?
Dizziness can be temporary and do not require treatment if it is caused by simple movement changes during playtime or a simple ear infection. However, treatment is required if the child complains of persistent dizziness. The treatment will depend upon the main cause of dizziness. Some of the possible treatment methods are:
In case of Meniere’s disease diuretics are used to reduce water retention.
Increased water intake and salt intake in case of dehydration.
Rehabilitation exercises and physical therapy like head exercises for vertigo.
Cardiac interventions if any heart problems are detected.
Conventional treatment, therapy and medication for anaemia, epilepsy, migraine, Chiari 1, genetic ataxia, head injury, developmental issues.
High-dose steroids and vestibular rehabilitation under a specialist may be recommended for dizziness that is caused due to a viral infection and does not resolves on its own and causes long-term balance deficits for weeks, months or even years.
In dizziness caused by certain vestibular problems accompanied by anxiety, doctors may suggest habituation-based vestibular rehabilitation with a physical therapist, cognitive behavioural therapy and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) therapy.
Surgery, in rare cases, such as severe brain tumours.
When to Consult a Doctor?
You should see a doctor immediately if the child complains of dizziness along with:
Head injury
Stiff neck
High fever
Vision problems
Loss of hearing
Speech problems
Weakness in legs or difficulty walking
Chest discomfort/pain and/or breathing problems
Slow pulse
Since dizziness is difficult to detect in children you must not ignore any complaints, signs or symptoms. It is important to get treatment early because dizziness may be caused by some serious underlying diseases. Read more
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12 Valentine's Day 2019 Gifting Ideas for Your Husband
Here are a few special gifts you can get for your husband this Valentine's Day:
1. A Rose Bouquet and Chocolates
A flower bouquet and some chocolates are loved by everybody on any occasion; gifting a bouquet of red roses along with some chocolates is a great idea.
2. A Ring
After engagement and wedding rings, you can also gift men rings on any occasion.They could be made of silver, gold or even platinum.
3. A Nice Shirt
A nice shirt will be liked by your husband. This can remind him of you every time he wears it. So gifting a shirt to him is another good idea.
4. A Trendy Watch
You can gift your husband a wrist watch. This will also be another addition in your husband’s wrist watch collection.
5. His Favourite Perfume
Gifting a perfume will always work.You can choose your husbands favourite brand perfume or experiment by choosing from your own mind which your husband might like.
6. Photo Frame With Your Family Photo
There will be a lot of lovely moments of you and your husband, or you and your family that you may have captured on a camera. A photo of you together or one with the kids nicely framed can be a great gifting idea.
7. A Matching Couples T-shirt
You can get a couples t-shirt where both you and your husband can have the same colour and design.
8. A Coffee Mug With a Photo
You can gift your husband a coffee mug with a printed photo of both of you, or good wishes and quotes.
9. Sunglasses
You can always gift your husband sunglasses which he can add to his collection, and can help him experiment with different styles and designs.
10. Wallet
A wallet is a useful present that you can give your husband. This is a gift he would definitely like.
11. Surprise Homemade Dinner
You can cook for him his favourite dish or can even experiment with a new dish you have never tried before. Create a romantic atmosphere at the home by lighting candles on the dinner table with some romantic music in the background. Your husband will definitely appreciate the effort.
12. A Good Book
If your husband loves to read, then there is no better gift for him than a book. You can choose the book depending on your husband's favourite authors or genre.
These are a few touching, sweet and practical gift ideas for your husband on Valentine's Day. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. I m preganant in 5 month in twin baby. Last lmp is 22/12/2023. my expected due date
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. 29.9.24. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Sunita Mahato has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 m old child
4 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts How to increase quantity of milk production?
Sunita Mahato
Mom of 3 children
4 hours ago
A. to increase milk take latction supplement as lactare...
take green papaya bottle gourd bitter gourd fennel seeds garlic oats ragi dalia sabudana ...
regular pumping increase milk use Babyhug electric breast pump...
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
4 hours ago
Q. hi doctor from two days i am eating milk cream with sugar and i want to burn it in my stomach I am 5 month pregnant plzz help ??
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. at present weight no exercise is other than moderate walking. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. I am in my 8th month of pregnancy (last week), and for some reason I am continously facing lot of fatigue. I am feeling deprived of energy and I don't have any energy to do anything. resting isn't Helping in any way and taking small walks isn't too. what can be the possible reason and how to overcome this.
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. yes that can be both physical and psychological problems during pregnancy ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
2 hours ago
Q. hi,
pls advice , after hcg tigger injection can we do intercourse to conceive and till when we can do ...trying to conceive
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
2 hours ago
A. Hello dear! We understand your eagerness and concern. It is advisable to check with your consulting doctor regarding this matter. Clarify your concerns and follow your doctor’s advice. Maintain a good personal hygiene routine and a healthy lifestyle
Rashmi has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 7 m old child
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Q. Hello my baby is 20 months old by mistake he swallowed a earpod but he is normal is eat drink plz suggest??
Rashmi
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A. It’s fine it should come out into the poop of your child within 24 to 48 hours a lot of mishaps happened with kids these days but these things since they are not edible they do not get digested which is why they come out into the motion
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