A woman’s blood pressure changes significantly during pregnancy. This is because her body works extra to support the new life developing inside her. High blood pressure during pregnancy is a common health issue that can sometimes become very serious. Low blood pressure during pregnancy, on the other hand, may not be a major concern, but you cannot ignore it either.
During pregnancy, a woman’s body starts changing and puts in more effort to support the new life along with her regular work. There is more pressure on her heart and circulatory system as the body produces more blood to supply to the baby.
During the initial days of pregnancy, the blood vessels will expand to make room for more blood flow. The blood pressure can remain stable or dip a little during this period. In many cases, as the demand on the mother’s body increases, her blood pressure will start rising. The blood pressure can increase during the third trimester.
Doctors take regular tests and track a pregnant woman’s blood pressure very closely, as it can get dangerous very quickly. High or low blood pressure should not be ignored. The mother-to-be has to be checked periodically to ensure her blood pressure is within safe limits.
Low BP in pregnancy is not as common as high blood pressure during pregnancy. Some common causes for a dip in blood pressure are:
● Bed rest for long periods of time during pregnancy. Since the body does not exert energy, the blood pressure can be low.
● Nutritional deficiencies can lead to anaemia, which in turn leads to a decrease in red blood cells that carry oxygen and other essential nutrients to all parts of the body and to the baby as well.
● Issues with the heart – valve problems or low heart rate.
● Dehydration.
● Certain medications can decrease the blood pressure.
● Pregnancy hormones may cause blood vessels to dilate.
● The growing baby might use up a lot of your energy, leaving you exhausted.
● Nausea and morning sickness might affect food intake and reduce energy levels.
Pregnancy can trigger many changes in a woman’s body. All the extra work can tire her easily, making her nap regularly or be less active than before. How can you differentiate between pregnancy fatigue and low blood pressure? Here are some tell-tale signs:
● Feeling confused or dizzy
● Feeling light-headed – can even cause fainting when you stand up suddenly
● Constant tiredness that may get worse as the day gets over
● Shallow or rapid breathing
● Feeling very thirsty despite drinking a lot of water
● Skin looks pale, feels cold or clammy
● Unable to see clearly - disturbed, blurred, or double vision
● Feeling depressed or gloomy
Most of the above-mentioned symptoms are synonymous with pregnancy. Most pregnant women experience them despite having stable or even high blood pressure. If you experience these symptoms regularly, you must check with your doctor.
Low blood pressure during pregnancy is not as dangerous or life-threatening as high blood pressure in pregnancy. However, it comes with its risks and complications that you cannot ignore. Some risks involved are:
● Feeling light-headed suddenly when out alone or while climbing something
● Fainting or falling
● Feeling faint after standing up suddenly
● Loss of sufficient blood circulation can cause internal issues
● Extreme low blood pressure at the beginning of pregnancy can indicate ectopic pregnancy
Low blood pressure may not be a serious cause for concern, like high blood pressure during pregnancy. However, low blood pressure can make the mother faint or fall, which can injure both mother and baby.
If the mother’s blood pressure is constantly very low, it can reduce the blood flow to the uterus, thus resulting in hypoxic brain damage in the baby, fetal distress, preterm labour, or even stillbirth.
Doctors don’t prescribe medications for low blood pressure during pregnancy unless the levels are too low and can cause harm to the mother and baby. Some home remedies you can try are:
● Take it Slow – Take ample amounts of rest and slow down your activities. You can experience low blood pressure anytime. So, avoid sudden movements or activities that can tire you easily.
● Hydrate – Drink plenty of water and other liquids to avoid dehydration. It can help with nausea and morning sickness as well.
● Salt – Your doctor might recommend increasing salt intake if your BP is too low. Do not do this without a doctor’s approval.
● Exercise – Physical movement and exercise can increase blood circulation. Consult your doctor before you start any exercises during pregnancy.
● Loose Clothing – Tight clothing can restrict or reduce blood flow to those areas of the body. Wearing loose clothes enables free blood circulation throughout the body.
Though low BP in pregnancy is not very dangerous, consult your doctor at the earliest if you experience any of the following:
● Frequent dizzy spells
● Severe headaches
● Shortness of breath
● Changes in vision
● Chest pain
● One side of the body feels numb or weak.
Abnormal blood pressure levels in pregnancy are not unheard of. It is important to keep a close watch on your BP levels be it high BP or low BP in pregnancy. With a little extra care and caution, you can manage low blood pressure throughout the pregnancy without letting it affect you or your baby.
● Only in severe cases doctors will prescribe medications. For others, increasing water intake, eating at regular intervals, doing some physical activity, and taking enough rest can help reduce the symptoms of low BP in pregnancy.
● Some common symptoms of low BP in pregnancy are feeling lightheaded or faint after getting up suddenly, feeling tired or dehydrated, rapid or shallow breathing, disturbance in vision, or frequent headaches. Different women can have different symptoms.
● Drink more water and eat more frequent meals to help energy levels stay up always. Engage in some physical activity to stimulate blood circulation and take enough rest.
● Exercise or engage in physical activities to improve blood circulation. Quit nicotine and change your diet to increase energy levels.
