5 symptoms of low blood pressure in pregnancy you need to know

Unlike high blood pressure, low blood pressure in pregnancy is a physiological event, common in the period, so there is no treatment. This happens due to hormonal changes in the pregnant woman’s body. To learn more about the subject, check out the explanation given by the gynecologist and obstetrician at Hospital Albert Einstein, Mariana Rosario (CRM SP-127.087).

What is low blood pressure in pregnancy

According to Mariana, “low blood pressure in pregnancy is a physiological event, not a pathology. What happens is that progesterone, during pregnancy, is a smooth muscle relaxant. And the blood vessel has smooth muscle in its composition. So, with this relaxation caused by progesterone, which initially is to relax the muscles of the uterus so that the baby can develop, the arteries also relax, promoting a lowering of pressure”.

The obstetrician explained that it is normal and expected that this low pressure occurs, which can be between 10 x 6, 10 x 7, 10 x 8, 11 x 6, 11 x 7, 11 x 8. She added that women who already had low blood pressure before pregnancy can handle 9 x 5 or 9 x 6 pressure, still being considered natural for pregnancy. Mariana also pointed out that “the patient who does not become hypotensive during pregnancy is someone who may have problems during her pregnancy”.

Symptoms of low blood pressure you need to watch out for

Mariana also talked about the most common symptoms of low blood pressure during pregnancy, they are:

• Low energy level;
• Dizziness;
• fainting;
• Blurry vision;
• Skin and cold sweat;

The obstetrician pointed out that the symptoms are common to anyone suffering from hypotension. Generally, they “happen a lot in closed places, when it’s hotter and when patients are in warmer places”, Mariana added.

What to do when you feel low blood pressure in pregnancy

Mariana said that any pregnant woman can deal with low blood pressure, but that there is no reason to worry. See the obstetrician’s recommendations below:

• Drink water;
• Change position calmly;
• Look for more airy environments;
• Lie down and raise your legs;
• Loosen clothing a little and avoid tight pieces.

If symptoms persist and bother you a lot, make an appointment with your trusted doctor.

How to avoid low blood pressure in pregnancy

According to Mariana, “as it is physiological, the issue of low blood pressure during pregnancy is not a problem and because it is expected, it cannot be avoided, what you can do is prevent the symptoms”. To try to stay without symptoms, the professional’s recommendations are:

• Drink more water;
• Having a salty food in the bag;
• Avoid sudden movements;
• Avoid very hot environments.

As you can see, low blood pressure in pregnancy is expected by obstetricians. That is, it is not a problem or reason to be concerned. Take the opportunity and check out the article about high blood pressure in pregnancy, which is a condition that requires more care.