Pregnancy and BP medication
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Dec 02 2009
Q: I would like to become pregnant. My doctor says I have to come off of my medicine which is lisinopril. I used to be obese but I lost 325 lbs and no longer need all that medicine I took but I find it hard to part with the med. What works as well as lisinopril that I can take during pregnancy?
A: If your doctor feels it is safe for you to stop Lisinopril, you certainly should. It is best to take as little medicine as possible when you are trying to get pregnant and during pregnancy. Several medicines are available to control hypertension during pregnancy. Examples include Methyldopa and Labetalol.
Tags: hypertension, labetalol, Lisinopril, methyldopa, pregnancy, Pregnancy & Menopause, pregnant, Taking BP MedsHigh blood pressure postpartum
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jul 06 2009
Q: My BP elevated a couple weeks before delivering my baby. It has been a month after having my baby and my BP has remained elevated. Can you possibly tell me why my BP is still elevated? What can I do to lower it?
A: Blood pressure sometimes elevates with pregnancy. It does not always return to normal after delivery. Even if it does, the risk of developing high blood pressure later in life is increased. You need to see your doctor for appropriate treatment advice. If you gained a lot of weight with your pregnancy, it is possible your pressure will get back in control with exercise and weight loss.
Tags: Blood Pressure & Hypertension, high blood pressure, hypertension, postpartum, pregnancy, Pregnancy & Menopause, weight lossPregnancy and high blood pressure
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jun 17 2009
Q: Could you kindly give me some medical advice about pregnancy and high blood pressure?
A: Women with hypertension can have normal babies. Closer monitoring during the pregnancy is required to ensure the health of both the mother and the infant. A good article on the subject can be found on emedicine.
Tags: high blood pressure, hypertension, pregnancy, Pregnancy & MenopausePregnancy-induced hypertension
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jun 03 2009
Q: I was diagnosed with high blood pressure after the birth of my third child who is now 6 yrs.old. Is it possible to stop taking blood pressure medication once your pressure is regulated?
A: Hypertension that starts with pregnancy doesn’t always go away after the child is born. You need to discuss with your doctor if attempting to taper your medication would be appropriate. Maintaining a normal weight and having a healthy lifestyle will help. Even if you are able to stop medicine now, keep in mind that pregnancy related hypertension is a risk factor for increased blood pressure later in life.
Tags: blood pressure medication, healthy lifestyle, high blood pressure, pregnancy, Pregnancy & Menopause, pregnancy induced hypertensionPregnancy and pre-eclampsia
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Feb 10 2009
Q: I am expecting my second baby in May 2009 and I have a daughter that is now 3 yrs old. I had pre-eclampsia with her pregnancy. With this pregnancy, my blood pressure has been 130 /80 but I’m worried. What can I do to help avoid pre-eclampsia this time?
A: Good prenatal care is extremely important in this situation. You doctor will want to monitor you very carefully and may recommend certain medications based on how you are doing. You might want to ask your doctor if you are a candidate for an antiplatelet agent.
Tags: antiplatelet agent, blood pressure, good prenatal care, medications, pre eclampsia, pregnancy, Pregnancy & MenopauseNormal blood pressure in pregnancy
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 11 2009
Q: What is the normal range of blood pressure for pregnant women?
A: The normal range for blood pressure does not change with pregnancy. Readings of less than 120/80 are considered normal. For a good discussion of high blood pressure and pregnancy, click here.
Tags: pregnancy, Pregnancy & MenopauseLisinopril affect the menstrual cycle?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 01 2008
Q: Does Lisinopril affect the menstrual cycle? I have been spotting for over 3 weeks after my period was due.
A: Lisinopril should not cause you to spot. Since you have missed a period, pregnancy is a possibility unless you aren’t sexually active. I suggest you see your doctor for an evaluation.
Tags: Lisinopril, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, Pregnancy & MenopauseHBP with pregnancy and fainting
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Mar 23 2007
Q: Does high blood pressure associated with pregnancy cause fainting?
A: Fainting occurs when not enough blood gets to the brain. Blood pressure is too low. The medications used to treat pregnancy induced high blood pressure can cause fainting with a rapid change from the sitting or reclining position to standing. Also, blood loss that occurs with delivery of the baby and dehydration from nursing can be factors in fainting. Women who develop high blood pressure with pregnancy are at risk for hypertension later in life.
Tags: baby, blood loss, brain, fainting, pregnancy, Pregnancy & Menopause
