Low blood pressure during pregnancy does not usually cause significant health issues, and most individuals can treat it at home with rest and diet changes.
However, very low blood pressure can be a cause for concern, and some pregnant people can experience bothersome symptoms.
In this article, we look at the causes, treatments, and when to consult a doctor.
Blood pressure typically fluctuates throughout the day depending on food intake, energy levels, stress, and other factors. Pregnancy also causes many changes in the body that can affect blood pressure.
A person’s blood pressure may be lower in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. This is probably due to the circulatory system, as blood vessels expand to let blood flow to the uterus.
Other temporary causes also exist, such as standing up too quickly or lying in a hot bath for too long.
While this is common, some other factors can contribute to the issue and cause blood pressure to drop even lower than usual.
Other causes of low blood pressure may
- prolonged bed rest
- anemia from nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of vitamins B12, folic acid, and iron
- dehydration
- heart problems, such as a low heart rate or heart valve problems
It is also possible for some medications to lower blood pressure, so it is vital that pregnant people let a doctor know which medications they are taking. It is also important to receive regular checkups during pregnancy.
Extremely low blood pressure in early pregnancy and feeling faint, pain, or very dizzy may be a sign of ectopic pregnancy. A person needs to contact a doctor straight away if they have symptoms of ectopic pregnancy.
Doctors will measure a pregnant person’s blood pressure regularly to check the health of the pregnant person and unborn baby.
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The 120, measurable in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), is the systolic reading during heart contraction and is always the top number on a blood pressure measurement device.
The 80 mm Hg is the diastolic reading — when the heart is at rest between beats — and is the lower number on the measurement device. Health experts consider anything lower than this a low reading, but it may still be typical for many people.
A doctor usually diagnoses low blood pressure when the reading is between 90 mm Hg and 60 mm Hg.
During the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, a person might notice a drop in blood pressure. This low blood pressure will often remain at a low level throughout the first and second trimesters and will rise again during the third trimester.
Doctors will continue monitoring blood pressure in the days that follow the birth to look out for any post-pregnancy complications.
While low blood pressure is usually no cause for concern, symptoms may be troubling and inconvenient for some.
Symptoms of low blood pressure include:
- dizziness or confusion
- nausea
- lightheadedness that may result in fainting, especially after standing up quickly
- general fatigue that may get worse throughout the day
- being unable to catch the breath or taking shallow, rapid breaths
- thirst, even after drinking
- cold, pale, or clammy skin
- vision problems, such as blurred vision or double vision
- depression
Any person who experiences troublesome symptoms such as these needs to report them to a healthcare professional.
Doctors may perform some tests to make sure that low blood pressure is the cause and not another underlying condition.
One of the primary risks for pregnant individuals with low blood pressure is falling due to fainting. Some people with low blood pressure who stand up too quickly after sitting or lying down may faint.
Frequent fainting spells may be dangerous, especially when pregnant. A person may injure themselves if they fall, and loss of blood circulation may cause internal issues.
However, low blood pressure alone does not usually cause serious complications. If a person has concerns about low blood pressure during pregnancy, they can contact a doctor.
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However, some pregnant individuals who experience episodes of atypically low blood pressure may require medication.
Any underlying conditions, such as anemia, that may be causing the drop in blood pressure will first need treatment.
If a doctor suspects that a particular drug is causing low blood pressure, they may offer an alternative medication.
Instead of medical treatment, many people rely on home remedies to help them cope with low blood pressure.
Rest
When dealing with low blood pressure during pregnancy, it is important to take things slowly.
Getting plenty of rest, making sure to get up slowly, and not exerting too much energy can help prevent dizziness and fainting.
If someone feels faint, they should sit or lie down gently to avoid falling and take steady breaths. Lying on the left side may also help increase blood flow to the heart, which may help stabilize the body.
Liquids
It is crucial to drink plenty of liquids and to treat any morning sickness or vomiting.
If low blood pressure is causing nausea, warm herbal tea may help settle the stomach. Staying hydrated with water can also help.
Diet
Eating a varied and nutrient-rich diet is especially important during pregnancy and may help reduce symptoms of low blood pressure where possible.
Doctors may also recommend eating many small meals throughout the day rather than a few large meals.
A doctor may also recommend that a person increase their daily salt intake if they are experiencing low blood pressure during pregnancy.
However, too much salt can have negative effects, so it is essential to speak with a healthcare professional before adding extra salt to the diet.
A doctor will usually monitor a person’s blood pressure during regular pregnancy checkups and offer advice or treatment options if it is too low or high. High blood pressure is a more common problem in pregnancy.
Low blood pressure is typical during pregnancy, but anyone experiencing frequent dizziness or fainting spells needs to seek medical care as soon as possible.
If anyone experiences fainting or dizziness along with a severe headache, vision changes, or shortness of breath, they need to seek emergency care. Chest pains and feelings of numbness or weakness on one side of the body also require emergency care.
If low blood pressure persists into the third trimester or for an extended period, a person may want to discuss it with a doctor.
Anyone with a history of low blood pressure also needs to mention this to the healthcare professional during initial pregnancy checkups.
Low blood pressure during pregnancy is typical and usually not a cause for concern. A person can treat it at home with rest and lifestyle changes.
However, experiencing dizziness or fainting during pregnancy could be dangerous, and a person should consult a doctor if they experience this. Low blood pressure could also be the result of an underlying condition.
Working with a doctor or midwife to treat the symptoms of low blood pressure during pregnancy can help keep both the pregnant person and baby happy and healthy.