It is very natural for pregnant women to experience low blood pressure during pregnancy. Alterations in the female body can lead to either low or high blood pressure in pregnancy. Generally, low blood pressure develops during the first and second trimesters, but if this continues till the third trimester, it is a subject of concern. Home treatment of low BP during pregnancy is often effective, but if your BP drops too low or too often, you should see a gynaecologist figure out what's going on and how to fix it. In this article, we have provided you with all the information regarding low blood pressure during pregnancy, its effect, and effective treatments that you can follow. Continue reading to grab all the necessary treatments.
What is Low Blood Pressure?
Low blood pressure occurs when the force to blood flow along the artery walls weakens. When the readings of your blood pressure measure 90/60mmHg, your blood pressure is considered low. Low blood pressure is defined as a reading that is either below 90 without considering the lower value or below 60, regardless of the top value.
The risk of cardiovascular diseases and strokes is reduced with low blood pressure; therefore, this condition is generally viewed as preferable to high blood pressure. However, low blood pressure levels can be a sign of a serious problem.
In most women, blood pressure stays lower for the first 24 weeks of pregnancy before gradually rising to normal levels. While there are many potential causes, there is a select number that contributes most to low blood pressure during labour.
Types of Low Blood Pressure
You can classify hypotension into two main categories. Let's break down every one of them.
1. Postural Hypotension
After rising from a passive or sleeping position, your blood pressure may remain low for a few minutes. This medical ailment, sometimes called orthostatic hypotension, occurs when a person remains inactive for too long while sitting or lying down. When you change positions unexpectedly, blood doesn't get to the brain quite as quickly.
2. Supine Hypotension
When lying flat on your back, blood pressure drops because of the increased pressure on your heart and major blood veins like the vena cava and aorta. This type of hypotension is caused by the growing uterus. It can make pregnant women dizzy, especially in the later stages of pregnancy.
Causes of Low Blood Pressure During Pregnancy
The following are some potential causes of low blood pressure during pregnancy:
- Hormonal shifts during the first trimester may cause blood vessels to dilate, contributing to low blood pressure.
- Dehydration during pregnancy causes rapid loss of water, amounting to dizziness and lower blood pressure.
- Uterine growth puts strain on the circulatory system, which can lower blood pressure.
- Blood pooling in the legs, known as postural hypotension, reduces blood supply to the brain. It typically occurs upon getting up from a seated or lying position.
- Low blood pressure during pregnancy can also be caused by anaemia or hypoglycaemia.
- Heart-related illnesses may also cause a large drop in blood pressure.
The other major contributors to low blood pressure during labour are Vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiencies. The developing embryo obtains nutrition from the mother. As a result, if the mother doesn't get enough of the right nutrients, including vitamins and folic acid, she may develop anaemia, which can lead to reduced blood flow and low blood pressure.
Also Read: Vitamin B12: A Dozen Solution To Your Health Problems
Low Blood Pressure During PregnancySymptoms of Low Blood Pressure During Pregnancy
Now let us check out the major symptoms of low blood pressure during pregnancy:
- Difficulty in breathing, chest pain, nausea, or rapid heartbeat.
- Episodes of dizziness and fainting brought on by dangerously low blood pressure.
- Blurred vision and light-headedness if rising too quickly from a seated or reclined position.
- Dry mouth and brain fog.
- Pain in the pelvis and low blood pressure. This could be a sign of a potentially fatal ruptured ectopic pregnancy.
- Pale and damp skin, in addition to a general sense of weakness or exhaustion.
Rest and drinking enough water may help alleviate some of the above-mentioned symptoms of low blood pressure. In addition, ensure that you can get yourself checked with your doctor about it because it may be an indicator of underlying health issues.
Also Read: What To Eat When You Are Expecting?
Effects of Low Blood Pressure on Pregnancy
Reduced BP is normal during pregnancy and shouldn't be worried about. If the mother is also suffering dizziness, fainting, or other similar symptoms, however, this could indicate a more serious issue. If the mother's blood pressure goes too low, she may lose her balance and fall, which is dangerous for her and her unborn child. An ectopic pregnancy, in which the fertilized egg implants itself anywhere besides the uterus, is a serious condition associated with pregnancy and is also indicated by low blood pressure. These are some of the major effects of low blood pressure on pregnancy, and therefore you should be careful that you do not face this issue constantly.
Treatment of Low BP During Pregnancy
Diagnosing low blood pressure during pregnancy is simple with the help of medication supplied by a doctor. When it comes to monitoring and controlling blood pressure, a self-check up kit is essential. However, if the issue persists despite treatment, you should consult a medical professional for a more in-depth evaluation. Here are some popular home treatments for low BP during pregnancy:
- Remain hydrated by drinking salt water, lemon water, and other fresh juices. Juices made from vegetables like beets and carrots are also a good choice.
- Dates are a healthy and energizing food choice. Milk with dried dates and almonds is a great night-time snack.
- Raisins are high in iron and can help raise blood pressure that has dropped too low.
- Increase your overall blood flow by doing prenatal massages and yoga poses.
- Try meditating and doing pranayam while you're expecting a baby.
- Don't stress too much. Instead, do things that put you in a good mood.
- Ease into getting out of bed. You should try eating before you get out of bed in the morning.
- Try to eat a balanced diet of protein, carbs, vitamins, and minerals.
- Drink a lot of water to keep yourself hydrated.
- Avoid skin-tight clothing at all costs.
Take a Look: Effective Natural Ways To Maintain Your Blood Pressure
Final Words
So this was all you need to know about low blood pressure during pregnancy. Pregnancy-related hypotension is common, but it's vital to recognize the symptoms and know when to seek medical attention. Instances of dizziness or fainting are medical emergencies that require immediate medical attention.
Seek immediate medical attention if a woman has dizziness or fainting accompanied by other symptoms such as a severe headache, changes in vision, or difficulty breathing. Chest pains and tingling or weakness on one side of the body also warrant immediate medical attention.
If low blood pressure continues throughout the third trimester or for an extended period, a pregnant woman should talk to her doctor. Women who have a history of low blood pressure should inform their health professional at the first prenatal visit to take precautions against dangerously low blood pressure levels.
In consultation with your doctor, the aforementioned home treatments should help you maintain a healthy blood pressure level while pregnant.
Also Read: The Characteristics Of Three Trimesters Of Pregnancy
