Prevention and Control

The information on this page is backed by research for the general public but your OBGYN and primary physician will know what is best for you as an individual.

Prioritizing Rest

Bed rest, restriction of activity or regular exercise will help the blood flow from carrying parent to the developing fetus in most cases. In other cases regular exercise, within reason, was a successful prevention measure (Bezerra Maia E Holanda Moura, 2012). Check with a medical professional before committing entirely to rest or physical activity.

Monitoring Your Health

Regularly monitoring blood pressure to ensure that your numbers remain in a normal range. It is also suggested to also test urine for any spikes of protein after twenty weeks which may be a sign of kidney issues (WHO, 2025).

Less Salt & More Garlic

Salt raises blood pressure while new studies show that garlic may reduce blood pressure in the general population. There is yet to be a significant difference amongst pregnant people who consume a large amount of garlic or none at all (Bezerra Maia E Holanda Moura, 2012). Something to consider while cooking nonetheless.

Vitamins C and E

These important antioxidants may act as a buffer between the carrying parent and the potential loss or decrease in antioxidants in and around the placenta (Bezerra Maia E Holanda Moura, 2012). Always consult a medical professional before ingesting supplements.

Marine Oil

Marine oil has properties that naturally lowers blood pressure and acts as a soft barrier between possible damage to the carrying parent's cardiovascular system from the harsh symptoms of preeclampsia (Bezerra Maia E Holanda Moura, 2012). 

High Risk Population:

Carrying parents that have one or more risk factors may want to ask their doctor about preventative measures including:

  • Progesterone to improve blood flow by widening the blood vessels in the pregnant person's body (Bezerra Maia E Holanda Moura, 2012).
  • Diuretics, or water pills, that will flush the body of excess salt (Bezerra Maia E Holanda Moura, 2012).
  • Nitric oxide medication to supplement potential loss of the body's natural nitric oxide through hypertension (Bezerra Maia E Holanda Moura, 2012). 
  • Low doses of aspirin for blood clot prevention (Preeclampsia Foundation, 2018).
  • Calcium supplementation to reduce blood pressure in the pregnant parent (Bezerra Maia E Holanda Moura, 2012).