Is low blood pressure during pregnancy dangerous?

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When is your blood pressure too low?

Normally, the systolic or top pressure of a healthy adult is between 100 and 140 and the diastolic or bottom pressure is between 70 and 95 mmHg. Women have low blood pressure or hypotension at values ​​below 100/60 mmHg.

Why does blood pressure drop during pregnancy?

A drop in blood pressure during pregnancy is completely normal. It allows the body to adjust to pregnancy. Just because you naturally have low blood pressure, does not mean you will definitely experience it during pregnancy. Even women who do not normally have low blood pressure can experience it during pregnancy.

The pregnancy hormones cause the blood vessel walls to become weaker, which makes them contract less well. In addition, the heart pumps more powerfully and there is much more blood in the body. Much of that blood is destined for the placenta to ensure the growth and development of the baby.

During the second and third trimester, many women suddenly experience low blood pressure when lying flat on their backs. The heavy uterus then compresses the vena cava or hollow vein. This is a large body vein that carries blood from the body back to the heart. This vena cava syndrome is annoying, but not dangerous.

Also read: What should you do in case of a drop in blood pressure?

Is low blood pressure dangerous?

No, low blood pressure is not dangerous, also for the foetus. But it can have a number of unpleasant effects. Some women do not notice anything at all, others feel very bad. This has mainly to do with personal sensitivity: sometimes someone with a blood pressure of 110/70 can feel bad, while someone with a blood pressure of 90/60 hardly feels anything.

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What are the symptoms of low blood pressure?

• dizziness, light-headedness (for example when you get up quickly from a chair)
• fainting (for example when you get out of bed in the morning)
• nausea, sweating
• fatigue, concentration problems
• palpitations
• tinnitus
• blurred vision, black eyes or seeing stars
• listlessness or depression

Also read: Meniere's disease: vertigo, hearing loss and ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

What can you do if you suffer from low blood pressure?

• Lie or sleep preferably on your left side. In this position the vena cava is freed and the blood flow improves. A half-sitting position is also good.
• Stand up slowly from a lying or sitting position. For example, sit on the edge of the bed. Breathe in and out deeply a few times. Then place both feet next to each other. Place them flat on the floor. Support yourself with your hands on your knees and slowly stand up.
• If you do get dizzy when standing up, sit down or crouch down. Try not to stay standing. When the symptoms subside, stand up slowly.
• Tilt your bed. Raise the head of the bed 20-30 cm.
• When you feel dizzy, first try to tense your legs and abdominal muscles or cross your legs. This will slow down the blood flow.
• Try to move as much as possible: at least half an hour a day.
• Avoid standing still for long periods of time, and move your feet as much as possible (for example, stand on the tips of your feet), or cross your legs. If necessary, bring a chair if you have to stand for long periods of time (for example, at a reception or a museum visit).
• Wear elastic support stockings, especially if you have to stand for long periods of time.
• Avoid excessive heat (sunbathing, sauna, hot baths, etc.): this causes the blood vessels to expand, which can cause a drop in blood pressure. Get up slowly after a hot bath, and possibly take a cold shower, or let cold water run over your legs. Certainly avoid heavy exertion in hot conditions.
• Don't suddenly stop exercising, but slowly relax or sit down for a while if you feel dizzy after exertion.
• Eat several smaller meals (for example, six small meals instead of three large ones) so that blood pressure does not drop excessively.
• Drink enough (1.5 to 2 litres per day). This ensures a sufficient volume of blood flow.
• Eat enough salt (unless you have to follow a low-salt diet): some extra salt with your food, broth, salty nuts, salty mineral water…
• Medicines for low blood pressure are not prescribed during pregnancy.

Also read: Pregnancy calendar: your pregnancy week by week

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com