Low Blood Pressure And Pregnancy - An Overview

Introduction

It is normal to have low blood pressure while pregnant. After giving birth, a woman's blood pressure will often return to its pre-pregnancy levels, so this condition usually does not create any serious issues. On the other hand, extremely low blood pressure can occasionally be harmful to both mother and child.

What Causes Low Blood Pressure During Pregnancy?

Some of the reasons for low blood pressure are as follows:

• Blood pools in the veins as a result of blood vessel dilatation brought on by the hormones that aid in the growth of the pregnancy.

• Experience low energy because a growing fetus constantly needs cell division and growth energy.

• Pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting naturally induce a reduction in food intake, which can produce low energy.

Other Reasons Are:

• Suddenly, getting out of bed.

• Dehydration (reduced water intake).

• Anaemia (low hemoglobin levels).

• Overindulgent vomiting.

• Loss of blood or internal hemorrhage.

• Health issues (heart disease, endocrine system disorders, etc.).

What Are High Blood Pressure Complications During Pregnancy?

The following are possible consequences of high blood pressure for both the mother and the child:

Complications For the Mother:

• Preeclampsia (It is a serious blood pressure disorder that may occur during pregnancy).

• Eclampsia (It is a disorder in which pregnant women experience seizures).

• Stroke (It is caused by reduced oxygen delivery to the brain).

• Placental abruption (the placenta separating from the uterine wall).

• The necessity for labor induction (the administration of medication to induce labor) can be a possible outcome for the mother.

For the Baby:

• Low birth weight baby (weight less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces).

• Preterm delivery (birth occurring before 37 weeks of pregnancy). The baby's mother may need to deliver the child early because of her high blood pressure, which makes it harder for the child to acquire enough oxygen and nutrients to grow.

What Are the Types of High Blood Pressure Conditions Before, During, and After Pregnancy?

1. Chronic Hypertension

High blood pressure before conception or before 20 weeks of pregnancy is referred to as chronic hypertension. In their second or third trimester of pregnancy, women with persistent hypertension may also develop preeclampsia.

2. Gestational Hypertension

This syndrome arises when pregnant women do not have any other cardiac or kidney issues, protein in their urine, or elevated blood pressure outside of pregnancy. Usually, it is discovered around the time of delivery or after 20 weeks of pregnancy. After giving birth, gestational hypertension often disappears. On the other hand, certain women who suffer from hypertension during pregnancy are more likely to go on to have chronic hypertension in the future.

3. Preeclampsia

Following 20 weeks of pregnancy, a woman who had previously had normal blood pressure may develop preeclampsia, which is characterized by abrupt high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and other complications. Preeclampsia is also a possibility for women with long-term hypertension. One in every 25 pregnancies in the US (United States) results in preeclampsia. Epilepsy (a neurological condition that causes frequent seizures) is a possibility in some preeclamptic women.

Presumptive symptoms consist of:

• An intractable headache.

• Visibility changes, such as spots appearing, fuzzy vision, or altered eyesight,.

• Upper stomach pain.

• Vomiting or feeling queasy.

• Hand or facial swelling.

• Quick increase in weight.

• Breathing problems.

What Symptoms Are Associated With Low BP During Pregnancy?

Following are the symptoms that are associated with low blood pressure during

• Tiredness and nausea.

• Headache.

• Feeling of thirst

• Fatigue.

• Eyesight problems such as double or blurry vision.

• Cold skin.

What Are the Treatment Modalities That Are Used to Treat Low Blood Pressure During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy-Related Low Blood Pressure Medication

It is common to have low blood pressure when pregnant. Although normally safe, it can lead to problems and discomfort for the mother and the child. Ephedrine, Midodrine, and Fludrocortisone are a few of the drugs that can be used to treat low blood pressure during pregnancy.

To avoid low blood pressure, in addition to seeing the doctor, one can do the following:

1. Diet

• Stay hydrated 80 to 100 ml of liquid (such as coconut water, fruit juice, or water) should be consumed every hour.

• Regular meals and tiny portions are the norm. Avoid overindulging in one big meal by eating smaller ones throughout the day.

• Take a large amount of veggies and fruits.

• Consume wholesome, well-balanced food.

• Too much salt might have negative effects. Therefore, it is better to consult a physician before adding more salt.

• If nausea is bothersome, one can try drinking ginger tea.

• Coffee also makes a difference.

2. Exercise

Blood circulation is improved by exercise, but to avoid any complications, one should consult a doctor before beginning any fitness regimen.

3. Getting Enough Sleep

• It is better to avoid standing up suddenly from a seated posture to prevent unexpected variations in blood pressure.

• For ladies experiencing vertigo, sitting or lying on their left side is recommended to enhance heart blood flow.

• The feet can be kept raised from the floor to give the body a break.

• Attempt to dress comfortably. Ladies who want to boost blood circulation can wear compression stockings or high-knee socks.

How Can Low Blood Pressure Be Diagnosed During Pregnancy?

Ideally, blood pressure should be 120/80 mmHg. However, this may differ from person to person. Pregnancy-related hypotension may be identified in women if their blood pressure measurements are continuously lower than 90/60 mmHg. The doctor will inquire about additional symptoms and lifestyle choices and obtain a comprehensive family and personal medical history. If more blood, urine, or imaging tests are required, the doctor may also suggest them.

Conclusion

Low blood pressure has a more indirect than direct effect on pregnancy outcomes. Often, due to weariness and shortness of breath, the pregnant mother would faint and fall, causing internal bleeding and injury to the baby, resulting in irreversible damage to the fetus. Women should see a doctor. This is especially true if the woman also has other symptoms such as excessive nausea, exhaustion, dyspnea, cold or clammy skin, impaired vision, or dizziness. In addition, if a woman has a history of low blood pressure, she should let her doctor know about it and take precautions to make sure the pregnancy does not get any worse. The physician may advise altering one's diet to include more fluids and salt or may propose drugs to assist in controlling blood pressure.