Breaking Out of the Blood Pressure Blues!!

​Well, yet again the mean old serpent, also known as high blood pressure, reared its UGLY head while at a Maternal Fetal Medicine appointment yesterday.  As a result, we landed in the OB Triage for a series of tests before adjusting my blood pressure medicine for what we hope to be a final time.  I am pleased to share that lab work came back well, the necessary adjustments were made, and we were sent home!

As I am now in the third trimester, the finish line is within sight and that in itself is a reason to break out of the blood pressure blues.  You see, this has been the biggest and most frequent hurdle on this journey and sometimes it has truly gotten the “best” of me.
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Most of us are aware that high blood pressure disproportionately affects the African American community, and for various reasons, i.e. heredity, dietary, etc.

Having had high blood pressure prior to my pregnancy, automatically I was identified as “chronic hypertensive” during my pregnancy. A key difference though is that prior to my pregnancy, my pressure was at least fairly easily manageable.

The difficulty with the proper regulation of my pressure not only made me frustrated and at times sad, it heavily impacted my new “motherly instinct,” the reality that the life I am carrying is first and foremost, and I could not let this affect my baby.

Now we have been fortunate and our little one is thriving and well, but innately I always had concerns.  I have since started to release those concerns with the support of my loving partner, family and friends.  I am indeed fortunate. 

I would be remiss to neglect the fact that I have great healthcare providers as well…   Combining them all, I have been fortunate to have a strong “village!”

Prenatal care is a priority for me and I encourage the same for all women.  Whether you are pregnant or not, self-preservation should always come first.  You are no good for others if you are no good to YOURSELF! Take heed, never ignore symptoms and seek medical assistance when needed. 

There are plenty of people counting on you…

Until next time...  Be courageous, be encouraged, MELANIN AND MOTHERHOOD is BLACK GIRL MAGIC PERSONIFIED!
 
Yours On This Journey,
Crystal

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