Effect of Lifestyle Modifications on Urinary Protein and Medication Use in Pregnant Women with Thyroid Disorders and Hypertension
Manisha Choudhary *
Department of Home Science, Faculty of Arts and Social Science, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut, India.
Nishma Singh
Department of Home Science, Faculty of Arts and Social Science, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Thyroid disorders and hypertension during pregnancy pose significant maternal and fetal health risks, often requiring pharmacological treatment. Lifestyle modifications are a promising non-pharmacological approach to improve clinical outcomes.
Objectives: To evaluate the effects of structured lifestyle modifications on urinary protein status and medication use among pregnant women with thyroid disorders and hypertension.
Methods: A pre-post interventional study was conducted with 200 pregnant women diagnosed with thyroid disorders and hypertension. The sample size was determined based on prior pregnancy intervention studies to ensure adequate statistical power. Participants underwent a 12-week multidisciplinary program including individualized DASH based dietary counselling, moderate supervised physical activity, stress management sessions, and structured antenatal education. Urinary protein and medication status were assessed before and after intervention. McNemar’s test was used for paired categorical analysis.
Results: In start, 60 participants (30%) had proteinuria, which decreased to 20 (10%) post – intervention Among discordant pairs, 42 participants shifted from positive to negative status, while only 2 developed new – onset proteinuria. Medication use declined from 80 (40%) to 70 (35%) participants ; 20 discontinued medication, whereas 10 initiated therapy. Additionally, 75% of participants required no dosage adjustment during follow – up, indicating clinical stability.
Conclusion: Lifestyle modifications significantly improved urine protein status and reduced medication dependency among pregnant women with thyroid disorders and hypertension, supporting the integration of lifestyle modifications into routine antenatal care for high-risk pregnant women.
Keywords: Lifestyle modification, pregnancy, hypertension, thyroid disorders, proteinuria