Low Blood Pressure in Pregnancy and It’s Treatment

A woman's body undergoes several physiological and hormonal changes during pregnancy. These changes can also cause conditions like gestational diabetes and hypotension. Hypotension or low BP in pregnancy is fairly common but can be managed with some dietary and lifestyle changes. If you or anyone you know is experiencing this, please inform your doctor and monitor your condition.

An expecting mother's body undergoes several changes to nourish and accommodate the growth of her child. One such change is increased vascular distensibility, i.e., dilation of the blood vessels. This helps increase the blood supply to the foetus to support its growth.

However, it can also reduce blood pressure, and cause hypotension. So does blood pressure affect the baby? Yes it might affect the baby and cause low birth weight, premature birth, and developmental delays. Low blood pressure in pregnancy typically lasts for about 24 weeks and naturally resolves itself as the body adjusts to gestation.

But before moving ahead further, let’s discuss the normal BP values.

Normal Blood Pressure Values

Generally, normal BP is 120/80 mm Hg. When BP is around 90/60 mm Hg, you feel low energy, weak & lethargic.

Now the question arises what are the causes of low readings of BP?

Causes of Low Blood Pressure During Pregnancy

Following are some of the causes of low BP-

• The hormones which help the pregnancy to grow, also cause dilatation of blood vessels, which causes venous pooling of blood.
• A growing fetus continuously uses your energy for cell division & growth, so you feel low energy.
• Because of nausea & vomiting in pregnancy, the intake of diet automatically comes down, which can lead to low energy.

• Sudden standing up from bed
• Dehydration (Less intake of water)
• Anaemia (Low haemoglobin)
• Excessive vomiting
• Loss of Blood / internal bleeding
• Infections
• Medical Conditions (Heart Disease, Endocrine gland disorders, etc)  

Note: Blood Loss & Low Blood Pressure are an emergency. Immediately consult your doctor.

Symptoms of Low BP During Pregnancy

So, here are the symptoms

• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Thirst
• Weakness
• Lethargy
• Fainting
• Cold Skin
• Blurred/double vision

Important note: If your BP drops too much, because of blood loss, it can lead to -

• Falls
• Shock
• Organ damage
• Low BP with blood loss can also be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy in which the egg gets fertilized in the tube or outside the uterus. Blood loss can be internal & it’s an emergency condition

Effects of Low BP on Pregnancy

A decrease in blood pressure is common in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. This usually returns to normal in the third trimester. Is low blood pressure dangerous during pregnancy? Low BP can cause mothers to experience mild fatigue, low energy, breathlessness or occasional dizziness.

In more severe cases, low BP due to internal bleeding or other medical conditions can cause serious harm to both the mother and foetus. For example, hypotension can cause the mother to faint and fall, causing trauma to the foetus. Expecting mothers are also concerned about the fact that stress causes low blood pressure. Well stress can be a major causing factor in high BP but not in case of low BP.

Similarly, chronic low BP can cause decreased blood flow to the growing foetus causing hypoxic brain damage. In some cases, low BP can also indicate ectopic pregnancies. This is a serious condition that needs medical attention. Prolonged or severe hypotension, if left untreated, can result in preterm labour or stillbirth.

If you’re concerned and want to minimise these risks, you can visit us, where our doctors and care teams will monitor your blood pressure during prenatal appointments and monitor your well-being throughout.

Diagnosis of Low Blood Pressure During Pregnancy

The normal blood pressure level is 120/80 mmHg. This can vary slightly from person to person. If your BP readings are consistently below 90/60 mmHg during pregnancy, you may be diagnosed with pregnancy-related hypotension.

Besides taking a thorough family and personal medical history, your doctor at Max Healthcare will also ask questions about other symptoms and your lifestyle. The doctor may also recommend other blood, urine, or imaging tests if necessary.

Treatment for Low Blood Pressure During Pregnancy

Medications to treat low BP during pregnancy

Low blood pressure is common during pregnancy. While it is generally not harmful, it may cause discomfort and complications for both the mother and the baby. Several medications can be used to treat low blood pressure during pregnancy, including: Fludrocortisone, Midodrine and Ephedrine.

Home remedies for low BP during pregnancy

1. Diet

• Hydrate yourself. Take 80-100 ml fluid (Water, fruit juice, coconut water, etc) every hour
• The rule is small portions & frequent meals. Take small portions of meals throughout the day instead of having large meals.
• Take a lot of fruits & vegetables
• Take a balanced and nutritious diet.
• Your doctor may recommend adding more salt to your diet but be cautious as too much salt can have repercussions. So speak to your doctor before adding extra salt.
• You may try taking ginger tea if you are feeling nausea.
• A cup of coffee also helps.

2. Exercise

Exercise improves blood circulation, but you should consult your doctor before starting any workout to prevent complications.

3. Adequate rest

• Please don’t get up abruptly from a seated position to prevent sudden changes in BP.
• If you feel dizzy, you should sit down or lie on your left side to increase your blood flow to the heart.
• Keep your feet off the ground periodically to give your body some rest.
• Try wearing loose clothes. You may wear high-knee socks or compression stockings to improve your blood circulation.

Self-care Tips For Low BP During Pregnancy

Several self-care remedies are proven to stabilise low BP but can you increase BP immediately at home? Below are various easy home remedies that are helpful to keep a check on your low BP.

• Balanced diet

  During pregnancy, it is recommended that you consume small portions and frequent meals instead of having large meals. Consider the increased nutrient requirement and take prenatal supplements as prescribed by the doctor. Which food is good for low BP? Add a lot of seasonal fruits and vegetables to your meals like broccoli, lentils, eggs along with some portions of fish, and chicken. What about milk? Is milk good for low BP? Yes, milk can be beneficial for low blood pressure and can be consumed for maintaining a healthy blood pressure.

• Stay hydrated

  Staying hydrated with water, juices, coconut water, soups etc., helps keep your BP levels normal. Dehydration or loss of fluids is often linked to low blood pressure.

• Wear loose clothing

  Prefer wearing loose clothing during pregnancy. It will be comfortable for both you and your foetus. Wear compression stockings if recommended.

• Avoid soaking in the bathtub for long durations or taking very hot showers

  During pregnancy, avoid bathing for longer periods of time and taking very hot showers which can further lower blood pressure.

When to See a Doctor?

If you are experiencing low blood pressure during pregnancy, it's important to know when to seek medical attention. You should contact your doctor if you are experiencing prolonged symptoms of low blood pressure, particularly if you are also experiencing symptoms such as excess nausea, fatigue, breathlessness, cold or clammy skin, blurred vision, or dizziness.

Furthermore, in case you have a history of low blood pressure, it's important to inform your doctor of your condition and take steps to ensure that your pregnancy does not worsen. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as increasing your salt and fluid intake or may prescribe medications to help regulate your blood pressure. Remember, it's always better to avoid caution and seek medical attention if you have any concerns about your health during pregnancy.

Conclusion

Low BP in pregnancy is a common condition most women experience in the early weeks. The condition is invariably benign but does require monitoring by an expert OB/GYN, who you can consult today at Max Healthcare.