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              PIH (pregnancy induced hypertension)

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   Pregnancy Induced Hypertension is present when a pregnant woman’s

blood pressure rises above 140/90 on two or more occasions, at least six

hours apart. PIH occurs in the second half of pregnancy (usually after 20                                              weeks of gestation) in women who previously had normal blood pressure.

It disappears following delivery.

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Pre-eclampsia is similar but more severe and is also associated with proteinuria.

Eclampsia is serious and can result in convulsions.

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    There is Gestational hypertension (high blood pressure only), preeclampsia (high blood pressure, protein in the urine and swelling) and eclampsia (high blood pressure, protein in the urine, swelling and convulsions or seizures)

The heart, kidneys, liver and brain can be affected by PIH.

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Mild pre-eclampsia:

Signs and symptoms: High blood pressure, water retention(swelling) and protein in the urine.

 

Severe preeclampsia:

Signs and symptoms: Headaches, blurred vision, inability to tolerate bright light, fatigue, nausea/vomiting, urinating small amounts, pain in the upper right abdomen, shortness of breath, and tendency to bruise easily.

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The following may increase the risk of developing pre-eclampsia:

  • a first time mom

  • women whose sisters and mothers had pre eclampsia

  • women carrying multiple babies, teenage mothers, and women older than 40

  • women who have high blood pressure or kidney disease prior to pregnancy.

    Your blood pressure is an important measure of your health. The systolic number (the one on top or reported first) measures the pressure in your arteries when the heart contracts. (this measure the heart ‘at work’). The diastolic (or bottom number, or the second number reported) measures pressure in the arteries when our heart relaxes. (your hearts measurement at rest)

    PIH can occur at any time, but most often after the 20th week of pregnancy. If this occurs the placenta will not have enough blood flow which means the baby does not recieve enough oxygen and nutrients. This can cause the baby’s growth ot slow. With ‘mild’ PIH, your B/P will rise slightly. You must work to keep it under control. Sometimes even though you do everything correct, you still may have trouble.

      Diet is very important.  Talk to your care provider about the foods you should and should not be consuming. 

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Preg induces Hypertension or Pre-eclampsia:

Signs and symptoms to report to your care provider:

  • Blood pressure rise of 15-20 mmmHG above the mother’s normal diastolic pressure. (if you are monitoring your blood pressure at home)

  • Proteinuria : Spilling protein in the urine. This is tested by doing a urine test with a test strip. Your midwife does this at each visit.

  • Edema: Swelling of your ankles in the last part of your pregnancy is common. Usually it happens later in the day after you have been up on your feet for a while during the day. Edema associated with problems will be swelling in your hands, feet, ankles, face lower abdomen, even the vulva, and may be severe or mild. As the condition becomes worse you may have haematological disturbance can occur and the kidneys, lungs, heart and liver may be seriously damaged. The small blood vessels of the eyes can become damaged and can cause blindness. With the baby: you can have a baby with a low birth weight, a increase incidence of hypoxia, and placental abruption.

Treatment:

  • Bed rest

  • Diet

  • Monitor fluid intake and out put.     

  • Doing kick charts

  • Possible hospitalization which would include IV’s and                                        medicine for treatment.

Herbal Treatment:

PIH

Tincture and herbs
1 ounce of a combination of the following:
nettles, alfalfa, red raspberry leaf, hibiscus. Then also 1/2 ounce lemon grass, and also rose hips. Make a tea of this, and drink at least 1 cup daily for prevention and drink 3-4 cups daily to treat.

  • The following labs might be done by your midwife.

CBC-lytes-bun-creatine-glucose-cholesterol-calcium-uric acid- drug screen-urine tox- and a simple UA.

  • remember to force fluids, you need a lot of water. Also red raspberry tea. You can take ginger baths. Take a hot bath, with 2 table spoons ginger added. Use a loufa sponge or a rough washcloth to massage your skin to help open the pores.

  • Remember that caffeine slows the kidneys down and builds up toxins.

  • Eat more green vegetables, (chlorophyll)

  • Constipation can cause a build up of toxins.

  • Eat enough protein.

  • Dandelion is a good diuretic, keeps the swelling down

  • Kelp feeds your thyroid

  • Alfalfa gives a complete set of vits and minerals.

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   You will be sent to a doctor for an evaluation.  For severe cases, your care will be transferred to a medical doctor.                                          

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