Introduction:
High blood pressure in pregnant and postpartum women is a frequent illness called maternal hypertension, commonly referred to as high blood pressure. Preeclampsia is a severe form of hypertension. It can result in serious health issues for the mother and the unborn child and is one of several consequences that high blood pressure can cause.
Breastfeeding is beneficial for both the mother and the baby. It is advised to breastfeed exclusively for the first six months of life, then to continue doing so while introducing complementary foods until the child is at least one year old and as long as both the mother and the child desire. Breastfeeding has beneficial effects on a mother's health including lowering her blood pressure.
Studies have proven breastfeeding to help lower the risk of maternal hypertension. Breastfeeding stimulates the release of oxytocin, a hormone that helps to relax the blood vessels, leading to a decrease in blood pressure. Oxytocin also promotes the relaxation of smooth muscles, including those in the uterus, which helps to reduce the risk of postpartum bleeding.
What Is Preeclampsia?
A significant pregnancy problem known as preeclampsia is marked by elevated blood pressure and organ damage to the liver and kidneys, among other organs. Typically, it appears after the 20th week of pregnancy. However, it might do so at any point. Numerous symptoms, such as excruciating headaches, visual problems, edema (fluid acculmulation), and shortness of breath, can be brought on by preeclampsia.
Preeclampsia's specific cause is unknown. However, it is thought to be related to issues with the placenta's blood arteries. The placenta is an organ that grows during pregnancy and gives the growing fetus nutrition and oxygen. High blood pressure and other issues can result from the placenta's blood arteries not working properly.
Preeclampsia can be a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention. If not treated on time, it can lead to various complications, including premature birth, low birth weight, placental abruption, and even maternal and fetal death.
What Are the Positive Effects of Breastfeeding on Maternal Hypertension?
Breastfeeding can positively affect maternal hypertension or high blood pressure during and after pregnancy. Several studies have found that breastfeeding can help to reduce the risk of maternal hypertension and its associated complications.
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One study in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that women who breastfed for at least 12 months had a significantly reduced risk of developing hypertension compared to those who breastfed for less than 12 months. The study also found that the longer a woman breastfed, the greater her risk of hypertension was reduced.
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Breastfeeding can also positively impact the cardiovascular system, which can help lower blood pressure. A study in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that women who breastfed for at least six months had a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease, including hypertension, than those who did not breastfeed.
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Breastfeeding can also help to reduce stress and anxiety levels in new mothers, which can contribute to lower blood pressure. Breastfeeding can promote the release of the hormone prolactin, which has a calming effect and helps to reduce stress levels.
What Are the Negative Effects of Breastfeeding on Maternal Hypertension?
Limited evidence suggests that breastfeeding can negatively affect maternal hypertension or high blood pressure during and after pregnancy. The overwhelming majority of research shows that breastfeeding positively affects maternal hypertension.
However, there are some situations where breastfeeding may need to be temporarily interrupted or discontinued due to its potential negative effects on maternal hypertension. For example, if a woman with hypertension takes certain medications to manage her condition, such as beta-blockers or ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors, these medications could be passed to the baby through breast milk and potentially cause harm. In this case, the woman may need to temporarily discontinue breastfeeding until she can switch to a safer medication. In addition, if a woman with hypertension experiences severe symptoms, such as seizures or other complications of preeclampsia, she may need to be hospitalized and cannot breastfeed.
What Are the Other Benefits of Breastfeeding on Both Mother and Infant?
Breastfeeding has numerous benefits for both the baby and the mother. These are as follows:
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Reduced Risk of Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Studies have shown that breastfeeding women have a reduced risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. The longer the duration of breastfeeding, the greater the protection against these types of cancer.
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Improved Uterine Contractions: Breastfeeding stimulates the release of oxytocin (a hormone that helps the uterus contract after childbirth). These contractions help to reduce bleeding and promote healing.
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Reduced Risk of Postpartum Depression: Women who breastfeed have lower rates of postpartum depression. Breastfeeding promotes the release of hormones that help to reduce stress and anxiety.
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Lower Risk of Osteoporosis: Breastfeeding can help to reduce the risk of osteoporosis (weakning of bone) in women. This is because breastfeeding promotes the absorption of calcium, which is important for bone health.
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Increased Bonding: Breastfeeding promotes bonding between the mother and the baby. This is because the mother and the baby have physical contact during breastfeeding, which helps to strengthen the emotional bond.
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Delayed Return of Menstruation: Breastfeeding can delay the return of menstruation in some women. This is because breastfeeding suppresses ovulation, which can prevent the release of an egg and delay the start of the menstrual cycle.
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Reduced Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: Women who breastfeed have a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This is because breastfeeding promotes glucose absorption, which helps regulate blood sugar levels.
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Weight Loss: Breastfeeding can help women to lose weight after pregnancy. This is because breastfeeding burns calories and promotes the release of hormones that help to reduce fat stores.
Conclusion:
Breastfeeding benefits the baby and positively affects maternal health, including reducing the risk of hypertension. It stimulates the release of oxytocin, improves cardiovascular health, reduces stress levels, and helps prevent the development of type 2 diabetes. Encouraging and supporting breastfeeding as part of maternal care can have long-lasting positive effects on both the mother's and the baby's health.
