Low blood pressure in Pregnant Women is a common condition. Hormone fluctuations and changes can bring down circulatory strain, especially during the first and second trimesters. Read about the causes and cures.
Hypotension or low blood pressure during pregnancy is not usually a cause for alarm. Besides, you can easily treat the condition at home. However, extremely low blood pressure should not be taken with levity. That’s why we take a look at causes and cures for low blood pressure in pregnancy, in this article.
Causes of Low Blood Pressure During Pregnancy
Most ladies experience several health-related issues when pregnant due to the fluctuations in hormones. And also, as the child grows, your body goes through different progressions to accommodate them. This is why you must visit the hospital regularly throughout the phase of your pregnancy.
During one of your antenatal classes, your doctor will likely check your blood pressure, and make inquiries about your way of life.
Usually, blood pressure changes depend on several factors which include your vitality levels, feelings of anxiety, and your lifestyle. There’s also a possibility that your blood pressure will increase or reduce depending on the hour of the day.
In the first 24 weeks of pregnancy, your blood pressure may be lower. This occurs as a result of the circulatory framework, as your veins allow the passage of blood to the uterus.
Another factor that can cause hypotension is standing up all of a sudden or staying in a hot shower for several hours.
Aside from the factors listed above, there are other reasons why your blood pressure can become dangerously low. These may include:
2. Inadequate nutrients in the body
3. Infections
4. Anaemia
5. Prolonged bed rest
6. Allergic responses
7. Dehydration
8. Endocrine Disease
9. Internal illness
Unfortunately, certain medications can also lower blood pressure. You must speak with your health care provider before taking any drug, no matter how harmless it may seem.
Circulatory strain is a sign that you and your unborn child are in perfect health.
A normal blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association, is below 120 more than 80 – 120 millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
During the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, you’ll likely experience a drop in your blood pressure. Your blood pressure will remain low all through the first and second trimester and will increase during the third trimester.
After delivery, your doctor will keep monitoring your blood pressure to pay attention to post-pregnancy conditions.
What are the Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure in Pregnant Women?
Symptoms of low blood pressure during pregnancy
– Dizziness
– Fatigue
– Fainting after standing up quickly
– Vision impairment (blurry or double vision)
– Shortness of breath
– Feeling of constant thirst even after drinking water
Effects of Low Blood Pressure in Pregnancy
Usually, due to constant feelings of tiredness and shortness of breath, the pregnant mother could faint and fall causing internal bleeding. There could also be an injury to the baby leading to irreversible damage.
Low blood pressure may reduce the rate at which the fetus receives a continuous supply of blood. Low blood pressure in pregnant women could result in stillbirths or cause brain damage in the fetus.
What are the cures for Low Blood Pressure in Pregnant Women?
In most cases, a special treatment procedure is not necessary to treat low blood pressure in pregnancy. During the third trimester, the blood pressure returns to normal, everything being equal.
However, there are exceptions in a few cases, depending on nature and the gestation period. A few medications can be recommended to treat the underlying reason that is causing the drop in blood pressure. They include hormone boosters and anemia.
Including Vitamin B-12 in your diet can help resolve anemia and resume the full functions of the blood cells.
There are a lot of home remedies that pregnant women can consider to avoid any occurrences of low blood pressure in this period.
They include:
1. Diet
Regular consumption of a healthy and nutritious diet can help in regulating constant blood pressure in pregnant women. Eating fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins and minerals can prevent any episode of low BP.
Remember to break down your meals into shorter meals at regular intervals instead of eating heavy meals at once.
2. Systemic Breathing and Rest
As a pregnant woman, you must be aware of how your blood pressure could fluctuate during pregnancy. This is why you mustn’t involve yourself in any sudden movement after lying down/sleeping or sitting for a long time.
Lying down and taking rest always helps in regulating the heartbeat. Sleeping on the left side, and wearing free clothes also helps.
3. Exercise
Just like regular exercise plays several roles in the body, it can have a tremendous impact on regulating Hypotension in the body. However, some pregnant women could experience dizziness and fatigue. It is advised to consult with your doctor before engaging in any high-intensity workout regimes during pregnancy,
4. Staying Hydrated
Water is essential to life. Dehydration is a major cause of low blood pressure in pregnant women. Drinking green tea and fluids can help eliminate symptoms like vomiting and nausea during pregnancy.
Even though low blood pressure is not a cause for alarm, the indications might make you feel uncomfortable or affect your daily routine. If you’ve not experienced these signs previously, it could be more frustrating.
When Should You See Your Doctor?
During regular check-ups, your doctor will usually check the blood pressure and offer advice or treatment, if it’s too high or low. Keep in mind that high blood pressure is also a common problem during pregnancy.
Symptoms such as fainting, severe headache, dizziness, chest pains, and feelings of body weakness should not be taken with levity. Seek medical care as soon as possible, if you’re experiencing these symptoms.
Having a low blood pressure extending till the third trimester or after birth is not normal. Speak with your health care provider to secure your health and that of your baby.