While a slight increase in blood pressure is normal, a sharp increase can cause hypertension and if left unnoticed, it can become dangerous for the expectant mother and child.
Mothers who give birth to their first child are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, which in this case is also called gestational hypertension.
In any case, one should carry out regular check-ups so as not to develop preeclampsia, which is a serious blood pressure-related disease and can be fatal for mother and child.
Potassium
Ideally, the diet should include 4,700 mg of potassium per day (Appel et al. – 2009).
The intake of too much potassium can cause health problems in the kidneys.
One benefit of potassium is that it also helps reduce the effect of sodium in the body.
Here are some foods that contain a lot of potassium:
- Banana
- Spinach
- Orange
Calcium
Pregnant women should also absorb enough calcium, as it is necessary for the growth of the child.
If the amount of calcium is insufficient, the body primarily serves the needs of the child and then those of the mother.
In doing so, it removes calcium from the mother’s bones, which is why there is a risk of developing osteoporosis.
Calcium-rich foods also help lower blood pressure.
A pregnant woman should take in about 1,500 to 2,000 mg of calcium per day. Here are calcium-rich foods listed that are part of an osteoporosis diet:
- Peas
- Smoothies
- White beans
- Tofu
- Sesame seed
- Broccoli
Magnesium
Magnesium helps to lower blood pressure (Ascherio et al. – 1996) and also plays an important role in the relaxation and repair of body tissues.
A pregnant woman needs about 300-400 mg of magnesium per day, depending on her age.
Here are some foods that contain a lot of magnesium:
- Soy milk
- Broccoli
- Beans
- Wholemeal bread
- Oatmeal
- Cashew nuts
- Brown rice
- Loss of appetite during pregnancy and old age
- DASH diet for arterial hypertension
- Pain during pregnancy
