How much low BP is normal in pregnancy?
The extent to which blood pressure drops is variable, but in most pregnant women, the systolic pressure drops by 5 to 10 mmHg. The diastolic pressure can drop up to 15 mmHg in a normal pregnancy. These lowered pressures usually last during the pregnancy and return to original levels afterward.
What should a pregnant woman with low blood pressure do?
Self-care for low blood pressure during pregnancy Avoid getting up quickly when you’re seated or lying down. Don’t stand for long periods of time. Eat small meals throughout the day. Don’t take very hot baths or showers.
Why is blood pressure low during pregnancy?
Low blood pressure during pregnancy happens because your body secretes hormones, and progesterone in particular, which help to relax the walls of your blood vessels and increase the flow of blood to you and your baby. Occasionally, low blood pressure may be indicative of some other problem.
Why is my blood pressure low during pregnancy?
Can low blood pressure affect my unborn baby?
Low blood pressure could reduce the rate at which the fetus receives a continuous supply of blood. Low blood pressure in pregnant women could cause brain damage to the fetus and could also result in stillbirth in a few cases.
Is it normal to have lower blood pressure while pregnant?
Low blood pressure during pregnancy is a normal occurrence. Fluctuating hormones and changes in circulation can often lower the blood pressure, especially in the first and second trimester of pregnancy. Low blood pressure ( hypotension ) during pregnancy does not usually cause significant health issues, and most women can treat it at home.
What causes high blood pressure in a pregnant woman?
There are several possible causes of high blood pressure during pregnancy. These include: being overweight or obese. not getting enough physical activity. smoking. drinking alcohol. first-time pregnancy. a family history of pregnancy-related hypertension.
What causes pregnancy induced hypertension?
The cause of pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) is unknown. What is known is that the increase in blood pressure is directly related to the presence of the pregnancy, the incidence of PIH is greater in multiple gestation pregnancies and PIH resolves when the pregnancy ends.
How does blood pressure affect pregnancy?
High blood pressure can affect a pregnancy by causing adverse effects on both mother and fetus. Chronic hypertension while pregnant may lead to impairment of the fetus’ growth, a higher risk of the placenta separating from the uterus, problems breathing during labor,…