Pregnancy-related low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, is common but rarely a cause for concern. Low BP usually occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy, but for some women it may stretch into the second and third trimesters as well. Doctors state that for a pregnant woman, blood pressure should always be within the healthy range of less than 120/80 mm Hg. Blood pressure is considered low when it drops below this range. In most cases, low blood pressure during pregnancy does not require any specialised or structured treatment, but unnatural fluctuations in blood pressure might be a sign of something really serious happening with the mom and her baby.
1. Blurred vision
2. Chest pains, nausea, and vomiting
3. Severe and persistent thirst, despite drinking plenty of water
4. Lack of focus
5. Cold and moist skin
6. Breathing difficulty
7. Frequent episodes of dizziness and fainting
Effects of Low Blood Pressure on Babies
Low blood pressure during pregnancy isn’t a cause for concern. However, if the mother is experiencing dizziness, episodes of fainting, and other related symptoms, then it may be hinting at a more serious problem. When a mother's blood pressure drops rapidly during pregnancy, she may fall, resulting in harm to her baby. Low blood pressure is also a hint of an ectopic pregnancy, which is a complicated pregnancy issue that occurs when a fertilized egg implants itself outside the uterus.
Treatment of Low Blood Pressure in Pregnancy
Low blood pressure can be easily diagnosed with the help of the medicines prescribed by the doctor. A self-checkup kit is extremely useful for tracking and managing blood pressure. However, if the problem continues to persist even after treatment, then you should consult a doctor for a more thorough examination.
Some common ways to treat low blood pressure are given below:
1.Drink salt water, lemon water, and other fresh juices to keep yourself hydrated. Beetroot and carrot juices are also healthy options to choose.
2. Consume dates as they are a good source of energy. You can also have milk with dry dates and almonds at night.
3. Soak raisins in water overnight and eat them first thing in the morning. Raisins are rich in iron and help deal with low blood pressure.
4. Practice prenatal yoga poses to boost blood circulation throughout the body.
5.Practice pranayam and meditation during pregnancy.
6. Don't stress too much. Engage in activities that elevate your mood. You can access the best books to read during pregnancy and Garbh Sanskar music from the Garbh Sanskar: KRISHNA COMING app. This app is available for all of your devices.
7. Don't get out of bed too quickly; take your time. Try eating something even before you get out of bed.
8. Consume a nutritious diet high in protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
9. Stay hydrated by drinking more and more water.
10. Don't wear clothes that are too tight.
Stay positive and don't worry too much about low blood pressure during pregnancy. Just stay aware and take the proper medications. This way, your pregnancy will be a more pleasant experience.
You may think of high blood pressure as a problem you’ll have to deal with when you are older, but it turns out, many pregnant women deal with it too. Hypertension affects up to 8 percent of expecting women and can lead to complications—from preeclampsia to low birth weight to higher risk of placenta abruption (placenta separating from the uterus before labor) to kidney problems. So if you were diagnosed with gestational hypertension or are at risk of developing it during pregnancy, you should find a way to keep your blood pressure under control; and since a lot of medications are big no-nos during pregnancy, the key to doing so is making a few lifestyle changes.
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Your body in the second trimester
Prepare yourself for your second trimester with support and information from Pediatric Nurse, Diana Spalding. Learn about your changing body and what to expect from this trimester’s medical appointments.
7 natural ways you can lower your blood pressure during pregnancy.
1. Ditch the salt. Although your body requires sodium in small amounts, consuming too much sodium can lead to hypertension. So try to substitute salt for other spices, like cumin fresh herbs and lemon pepper. You can also rinse canned food to rid them of any extra sodium, and try your best to avoid processed foods and fast foods. If you buy processed foods, try to choose low-sodium options.
2. Eat a healthy more whole grains and potassium-rich foods. Go bananas on, well, bananas, but not just. Sweet potatoes, prunes, raisins, kidney beans, tomatoes and more are all high on potassium and can thus help you lower your blood pressure. Studies have shown that whole grains, which are rich in dietary fibers, can also help reduce hypertension. So fuel up on legumes, vegetables, protein and whole grains. For example, for breakfast you could have a mixed veggie omelet paired with whole grain toast and a side of fruit.
3. Destress. Whether you are pregnant or not, being stressed can actually cause your blood pressure to hike. So try eliminating the things that trigger anxiety, and do what you can to promote relaxation — whether it’s meditation, yoga or breathing techniques. All these can eventually help you manage labor pain, so it’s good practice for the big day, too.
4. Get moving. Women who are sedentary are more likely to develop high blood pressure. So implementing a consistent physical routine that you can do throughout your pregnancy is very important. Not only will it relieve stress, increase blood circulation and lower blood pressure, but it will have a positive impact on your baby’s health outcome going forward. So try to exercise 30 minutes every day. And if you don’t usually work out, you can do things that are not too intensive, like walking or swimming.
5. No smoking or alcohol. This goes without saying, but avoiding smoking and alcohol during your pregnancy is essential for the safety and health of your baby. What’s more, both alcohol and cigarette smoking can bring your blood pressure up. So if you are still smoking during pregnancy, talk to your doctor to implement a plan to quit.
6. Keep a close eye on your weight. You’ve heard the saying “eating for two” before, but you shouldn’t take it literally. Being overweight is a risk factor for hypertension, so you want to make sure that your pregnancy weight gain stays within healthy limits. So focus on a healthy regimen and, of course, listen to your body.
7. Follow medication protocol. If you’ve been advised to take any medications, it’s important to adhere to the schedule and take it as noted. Also, hypertension can be a side effect of some medication. So make sure to talk to your doctor to find out what is safe to take during pregnancy.