- What are the symptoms of low blood pressure in pregnancy
- Possible risks of low blood pressure
- What to do if you feel faint
- Because the pressure decreases in pregnancy
- How to avoid low blood pressure in pregnancy
Low blood pressure in pregnancy is a very common change, especially in early pregnancy, due to hormonal changes that cause the blood vessels to relax, causing the pressure to decrease.
Although it is not serious, such as having high blood pressure during pregnancy, the marked decrease in pressure can cause great discomfort for the pregnant woman during the day and even cause symptoms such as fainting and falls, which can put the baby and the pregnant woman at risk.
To try to keep the pressure more regulated, you must avoid sudden changes in position, drinks such as alcohol, soft drinks and coffee, as well as eating at regular intervals and avoiding very hot environments, for example.
What are the symptoms of low blood pressure in pregnancy
Low blood pressure in pregnancy can cause symptoms such as feeling weak, blurred vision, dizziness, headaches and in more severe cases, feeling faint.
Also check out a great home remedy for low blood pressure, which can be used during pregnancy.
Possible risks of low blood pressure
The main risk of low blood pressure in pregnancy is fainting, which can result in a fall, which can cause trauma to the pregnant woman. Usually, this trauma is mild and does not cause more than a small fright, but if the fainting happens in a place where the fall may be more serious, such as on a ladder, for example, it can put the life of the pregnant woman and the baby at risk. See how to control blood pressure in pregnancy.
Low pressure in pregnancy is no longer frequent when the blood volume increases and the pregnant woman's body begins to adapt, with a greater amount of blood. Only at this stage does the pressure tend to return to normal, therefore it is necessary to be careful and attentive, especially when the woman is going out alone.
What to do if you feel faint
In case of low blood pressure during pregnancy, the pregnant woman may start to feel weak, with blurred vision, dizziness and headaches. In this case, some things that can be done are:
- Sit, take a deep breath and lean your body forward, bringing your head towards your knees for a few minutes; Lie in a comfortable position and raise your legs, if possible, to help normalize blood flow; Ingest something with salt, such as crackers and salt, for example.
If symptoms of low blood pressure persist for more than 15 minutes or appear very frequently, it is recommended to go to the hospital or contact the obstetrician.
Because the pressure decreases in pregnancy
In the first trimester of pregnancy, when the placenta is formed, there is an increased need for blood, necessary to supply the blood circulation of the mother, the placenta and the small embryo. At this early stage, the woman's body has not yet had enough time for this adaptation and cannot supply the extra amount of blood needed, which can cause low blood pressure in certain circumstances.
In addition, hormonal changes, which occur during pregnancy, also make blood vessels more relaxed, so that blood can reach the placenta faster. When this happens, blood circulates more freely and blood pressure decreases.
How to avoid low blood pressure in pregnancy
To try to keep the pressure well regulated and to avoid a sharp decrease in pressure, some measures can be taken, such as:
- Always have something salty in your bag, like salt crackers or nuts, so you don't run out of energy for a long time; Drink about 2 liters of water throughout the day and in small quantities, in order to avoid dehydration and pressure reduction; Confirm with the obstetrician if any of the medications the pregnant woman is using has effects on blood pressure; Avoid staying for long periods in very hot and humid environments; Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and coffee, to reduce the chances of dehydration; Practice light physical exercises regularly, as they have beneficial effects on blood circulation and blood pressure; avoid sudden changes in position such as getting up too fast, for example.
If low blood pressure attacks are frequent, the pregnant woman should see a doctor for clinical evaluation, because although it is not common, low blood pressure can be a sign of a disease that needs to be investigated and treated, before putting the pregnancy at risk.
