Q: What are the differences in hypertension that shows up at 30 weeks vs.
39 weeks? What about a BP that stays up no matter how you take it vs. a BP
that is much lower when taken in a side-lying position? Can hypertension
ever be considered normal for some women during their pregnancies--their
body needs it for some reason--or is it always an ominous sign that means
an automatic high-risk handover to a medication-happy OB?
What else can you do for a hypertensive woman who is at term besides mag
sulfate? Without corresponding warning signs such as headaches, vision
disturbances, etc., how risky is she being with her life and the baby's by
not agreeing to take mag sulfate?
-Samantha
====
A client alleviated her hypertension by taking two droppersful (could have
taken three) of hawthorn berry tincture, one in the morning and one at
night). I had also recommended supplementing with
calcium/magnesium(1000-1200mgs/500-600mgs). She took these tablets in the
morning and at night to get the full amount.
-Constance Miles
====
If a woman needs mag sulph she will have had all the appropriate bloods and
investigations performed. This drug is never given without proven clinical
reason as it is so toxic its administration alone could cause demise.
Fulminating PET is life threatening; the only cure is delivery and that may
mean that birth expectations may have to be reviewed. The luxury of
hindsight is not available until too late. I realise that we practice very
differently in the UK and have much more autonomy and act as advocates for
women in the clinical situation but a fit well baby and mum is our end aim.
-Anon.
====
Editor's note: Please remember the simple yet proven (by Dr. Tom Brewer)
method of treating pre-eclampsia: Take in 80-100 grams of protein a day,
plenty of carbohydrates, salt to taste, drink to thirst.
Brewer writes, "You *can* turn toxemia around! The status quo teaches,
"deliver the baby." Some midwives don't know what to do, and they panic...I
threw away the things I was trained to do. I had to unlearn...and go back
to basics, go back to nature, and let this body, this woman, this
pregnancy, grow on its own steam."
-Midwifery Today Issue 40
Reprinted from Midwifery Today E-News (Vol 2 Issue 7 February 18, 2000)
To subscribe to the E-News write: enews@midwiferytoday.com
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PO Box 2672-940, Eugene OR 97402
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