High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy & Cesarean Risks: What to Expect

Question
Hi. I'm 38+4 weeks pregnant with my first baby and have had high blood pressure for the past 2 weeks and have been basically on bed rest to keep it down. At the Dr's today he said that buby's head was still high and I should start preparing myself for a cesarean section. I want to avoid this if at all possible but am not sure what I can do to help Buby to "drop". He said they will probably induce on my due date if my blood pressure doesn't go too high before this. I didn't want any intervention but will accept an induction but really want to try and avoid a cesarean. What can I do? is it getting too late for buby to "drop"?  

Answer
Hello Karen. It is quite normal that your baby is still high at this stage- it is NOT ready to be born yet. For the baby to "drop", your uterus needs to be soft and ready for labor- that could be 2-4 weeks away yet. However, if your blood pressure remains high, that is very dangerous for both you and the baby. The time may come when you have to give in for the safety of both of you and have the section. However, let's try this first- starting right NOW- you must eat a LOT of protein- meat, fish, eggs, chicken, low fat dairy. You do NOT eat ANY- sugar or flour- that means NO sweets, desserts, ice cream, baking, regular bread, pasta, noodles, NOTHING that contains sugar of ANY kind and NO flour- white OR brown. You CAN eat brown rice- NOT white. Drink 2-3 quarts of water a day, eat LOTS of vegetables and ONLY three pieces of fruit a day. You can eat two slices of sprouted grain bread a day- made with NO flour- easily available in grocery stores. This food plan can bring down your blood pressure if followed carefully and may buy you enough time to allow the normal softening of the uterus. Hope that helps- Cheri.