Concerned About High Blood Pressure in Late Pregnancy? Expert Advice

Question
Hi, I have a friend who is 38 weeks and has had a chronic cough for months now.  Her blood pressure was higher than it has ever been and today when she went to her appt, the nurse was very concerned.  The doctor didn't seem at all concerned.  What are your thoughts?  Thanks so much.  Kathy from Michigan

Answer
Dear Kathy,

Without knowing what her BP actually was and what her baseline BP has been, I can't say whether there would be a reason to be concerned or not. The cough may or may not have anything at all to do with the BP. However, the stage of pregnancy you are in makes a big difference as to what your BP is doing - due to the physiology of pregnancy. The blood pressure is generally slightly lower during the first 12 weeks, dropping significantly from 12 to 28 weeks and rising to pre-pregnancy levels (or slightly higher) after about 28 weeks.

I will say that she can take measures in these last couple of weeks to keep her BP down if she has a concern of her own. I would advise her to limit her salt/sodium intake, eat a healthy, balanced diet and take her prenatal vitamins (potassium has been shown to reduce BP and calcium and magnesium have been shown to prevent high BP), reduce caffeine intake (coffee, sodas, chocolate), do not smoke (if that is related to the cough), and try to take it easy and get plenty of rest with her feet elevated.

If she begins to experience visual changes, headaches, palpitations or racing pulse, trouble catching her breath or nausea, she should contact her doctor.

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you both well.

Brenda