The Effect of Unripened Coconut Water on Reducing Hypertension in Pregnant Women

Background: Uncontrolled hypertension in pregnant women increases the risk of serious complications, including preeclampsia, preterm birth, and fetal health issues. The present study explored the potential of unripened coconut water as a natural intervention to reduce blood pressure in hypertensive pregnant women.Methods: A pretest-posttest experimental design was used among 91 pregnant women with systolic blood pressure ≥135 mmHg and/or diastolic ≥85 mmHg. The study took place in the coverage area of Kuala Tungkal I Health Center, Indonesia from November 2022 to June 2023. The study participants consumed young coconut water daily over 7 days. Blood pressure was measured before and after the intervention using a digital sphygmomanometer. Data analysis was conducted using paired t-tests to evaluate changes in systolic and diastolic pressures.Results: A statistically significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressures was observed. The average systolic reading declined from 134.98 mmHg (SD±24.97) to 125.24 mmHg (SD±22.42), with a mean difference of 9.74 mmHg (95% CI: 6.42–13.05; P<0.001). Diastolic pressure decreased from 86.84 mmHg (SD±14.43) to 82.16 mmHg (SD±13.31), showing a mean reduction of 4.68 mmHg (95% CI: 2.69–6.67; P<0.001).Conclusions: The results of this study showed that daily consumption of young coconut water for seven days can significantly reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in pregnant women with hypertension. The average systolic pressure decreased from 134.98 mmHg to 125.24 mmHg, and the diastolic pressure dropped from 86.84 mmHg to 82.16 mmHg.