Hypotension During Pregnancy

Hormonal Changes During Pregnancy

It is rare for low blood pressure to occur during pregnancy. Many women do not realize that pregnancy can contribute to high blood pressure. It happens because the circulation increases during pregnancy and the hormonal changes that make the blood vessels open, leading to lower blood pressure. Blood pressure begins to drop in the first pregnancy and is usually very low during the second trimester.

Not surprisingly, women may experience symptoms of low blood pressure during pregnancy. These symptoms are similar to the symptoms a person with low blood pressure may feel. The most common symptoms of low blood pressure in pregnancy include dizziness and even fainting. A bright light can be worse if you suddenly stop or get up from a sitting position.

Effect of Blood Pressure and Pregnancy

Effect of Blood Pressure and Pregnancy

Blood pressure is an important indicator of your health and many doctors will use it more often when they diagnose your condition. Any level of your blood pressure, low or high can indicate that things may be wrong with your body.

If your blood pressure rises, it can damage other organs. For example during pregnancy, high blood pressure can damage the placenta, which is the only food supply for the baby. This leads to slow growth and even delays in the development of the baby in the womb.

If blood pressure drops, it means that there will not be enough blood to reach the tissues. A pregnant woman may sometimes faint due to insufficient blood supply to the brain to supply oxygen. The baby may also receive a certain amount of oxygen as a result of this condition. It is important to note that changes in blood pressure are not uncommon especially during pregnancy; it is caused by hormonal changes in the body. And in the event that pregnant women show some signs of a change in blood pressure, it is a problem that needs to be addressed.

Causes of Hypotension During Pregnancy

·         Weight loss - even if you don't feel well, make sure you absorb water all day.

·         Prolonged bed rest can be the cause.

·         Increased blood circulation during pregnancy lowers blood pressure.

·         During pregnancy a change in the hormone (progesterone) causes the blood vessels to dilate and lower blood pressure.

·         The uterus expands, putting pressure on the large blood vessels that cause hypotension. It usually meets while lying on the floor known as supine hypotension.

·         Postural hypotension causes blood clots in the legs, which block blood flow to the brain. It happens when you get up from the living room or sleeping position.

·         Anemia and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) can also cause low blood pressure during pregnancy.

·         Other risk factors such as folic acid deficiency and vitamin B12.

Symptoms of Hypotension During Pregnancy

Symptoms of Hypotension During Pregnancy

The level at which blood pressure drops varies, but for most pregnant women, diastolic pressure may drop to 15mm Hg while systolic pressure may drop by about 5-10mm Hg. This reduced systolic and diastolic pressure can remain during pregnancy and all return to normal after that. These symptoms of low blood pressure are no different from those with low blood pressure whether you are pregnant or not, and include:

·         Dizziness

·         Light difficulty, especially when standing or sitting high

·         Fainting

·         Nausea

·         Fatigue

·         Blurred vision

·         Unusual thirst

·         Clammy, pale or cold skin

·         Rapid or shallow breathing

·         Lack of concentration

Tips to Prevent Hypotension During Pregnancy

·         You can prevent low blood pressure during pregnancy by changing your health in a healthy way.

·         Sit or lie down for a while after eating, because after eating your blood circulation is transferred to the digestive system. So low circulation to another location thus work inhibits this natural behavior and leads to lower blood pressure.

·         Avoid strenuous exercise as your blood pressure often lowers after a workout session or after a workout.

·         To avoid prolonged standing, this helps to prevent low blood pressure due to poor communication between the brain and the heart.

·         Have a healthy diet to prevent anemia or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels).

·         Drink plenty of water or other fluids such as fruit juices to avoid thirst.

·         Get up slowly and carefully, while getting up from a sitting or sleeping position. Do not sit somewhere (sit or stand) for too long.

·         Sleeping on the left side is recommended instead of lying on the back. Sleeping on the back causes the uterus to compress the blood vessels, blocking blood flow and causing lowering of blood pressure.

·         Do light, regular exercises such as walking to prevent symptoms of low blood pressure by improving blood circulation.

·         Pressure stocks - Wear a supportive stock that gives balance to your legs and abdomen to help raise your BP.

·         Drink plenty of fluids; pregnant women should drink more water than the recommended number of normal people, usually drinking between 3 liters and a liter of water per day.

·         Eat several small meals during the day instead of the usual three large meals.

Avoid caffeinated beverages or beverages with alcohol.