The most effective approach to managing hypertensive women in pregnancy

The multi-pronged approach to controlling hypertension women during pregnancy is the most beneficial. It includes medication, dietary adjustments, and exercise. The plan aims to normalize the high blood pressure and reduce the chance of recurrence. While methyldopa and labetalol are safe to use during pregnancy, the selection of antihypertensive medications differs by nation. Methyldopa is the medication of choice in the United States for treating mild to moderate pregnancy hypertension in outpatient settings. The first-line agent is being used based on the greatest available evidence. Because methyldopa has no effect on renal or uterine blood flow, clinical investigations have established maternal safety (Brown & Garovic, 2014). Similarly, the use of the drug is not associated with typical adverse complications antihypertensive agents, such as growth retardation, respiratory distress syndrome, persistent patent ductus arteriosus, fetal hypotensive syndrome, renal failure, and pre-partum death. Long-acting nifedipine can also be used as a second-line drug in the event the patient is unable to tolerate methyldopa or monotherapy is insufficient to normalize complications. Other safe third-line agents that can be used in treating severe hypertension are α and β Adrenergic blockers such as doxazosin and prazosin (Bhandari, Kharel, Bhatt, & Dahal, 2017).

Besides the drug therapy, non-pharmacological interventions are also significant in the control of pregnancy-induced hypertension. The patient should be advised on frequently taking small portions over fasting or missing meals (Muktabhant, Lawrie, Lumbiganon, & Laopaiboon, 2015). Avoiding preserved materials, processed cheese, baked food also offsets the risk of gestational hypertension. Besides reducing intake of salt, saturated fat, patients should increase proportions of fruits and leafy vegetables and take a lot of water. While the physiological state may prevent women from engaging in strenuous activities, non-aerobic exercises such as yoga reduce the risk of recurring blood pressure.

References

Bhandari, S., Kharel, S., Bhatt, D., & Dahal, S. (2017). Anti-hypertensive drugs used during pregnancy. Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research, 6(2).

Brown, C. M., & Garovic, V. D. (2014). Drug treatment of hypertension in pregnancy. Drugs, 74(3), 283-296.

Muktabhant, B., Lawrie, T. A., Lumbiganon, P., & Laopaiboon, M. (2015). Diet or exercise, or both, for preventing excessive weight gain in pregnancy. The Cochrane Library.