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Some facts about high blood pressure and pregnancy are surprising. Answer these true/false statements and compare your answers to the correct answers below.
1. Your blood pressure may drop during the first months of pregnancy, even if you have chronic hypertension.
True. Your blood pressure may be lower during the first trimester of pregnancy. Your doctor will still monitor your blood pressure carefully for early warning of Preeclampsia. Even if your blood pressure is quite low, modest rises early in your pregnancy may still be significant even if your blood pressure is still in the normal range. It is possible that a significant rise in pressure can be a clue to preeclampsia.
2. Losing weight, cutting back on salt and exercising are good things to do if you have high blood pressure and are pregnant.
False. Lifestyle changes need to be made before you are pregnant, not during your pregnancy. If you have chronic hypertension, see your doctor at least six months before planning to become pregnant.
3. Having a diet rich in protein will prevent preeclampsia.
False. Although this has been suggested, the World Health Organization has concluded that supplementing the diet with protein will not change a woman's chances of developing preeclampsia.
4. Taking fish oil, calcium and aspirin will prevent preeclampsia.
False. Despite a flurry of media stories indicating that fish oil, calcium or daily aspirin can prevent preeclampsia studies so far do not bear this out. You need to share information with your doctor about any supplements, over-the-counter drugs, or herbal preparations you are taking.
5. Most women with preeclampsia have never had high blood pressure.
True. Although it isn't known what causes preeclampsia, some women are more at risk than others.
Sources for this information include a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Working Group Report on Hypertension and Pregnancy and patient education from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
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