I completely understand how overwhelming a diagnosis of gestational hypertension can be. When I was pregnant and diagnosed, I noticed I was experiencing frequent headaches and some swelling, which were warning signs for me. My healthcare provider closely monitored my blood pressure and we scheduled more frequent check-ups to ensure everything was on track.
In terms of birth plans, it did lead to discussions about possible induction, depending on how things progressed. For managing the condition, I found that reducing my salt intake, staying hydrated, and engaging in gentle exercise, like walking, made a significant difference.
Remember to lean on your healthcare team—they're there to guide you through this. Take everything one step at a time, and consider reaching out to support groups for moms with similar experiences. Have you discussed any specific lifestyle adjustments with your provider yet, and how are you feeling about those?