Low blood pressure in pregnancy: causes and remedies

Low blood pressure or hypotension is a rather common condition in pregnancy , especially in the first 24 weeks. This condition can manifest itself with symptoms such as:

• tiredness , weakness or difficulty concentrating
• sudden dizziness
• cold sweats
• blurring of vision
• fainting

Generally, it occurs in the first trimester and then improves over the following months , although in some cases it can last throughout the gestation period.

When do we talk about low blood pressure in pregnancy?

According to the American Heart Association,  a healthy person should have a blood pressure below 120 out of 80 , where:

• 120 is the systolic pressure , also called  maximum ( which occurs during the contraction of the heart)
• 80 is the diastolic pressure , also called  minimum  (which occurs when the heart is at rest between beats).

Typically, low blood pressure is defined as readings below 90 out of 60 .

Low blood pressure in pregnancy: the causes

The main cause of low blood pressure in pregnancy is progesterone , which relaxes the muscles of the blood vessels to increase blood flow to the placenta and, consequently, to the baby. This phenomenon, however, has the undesirable effect of slowing venous return and lowering the future mother’s blood pressure , causing dizziness and a feeling of exhaustion.

Too hot weather can also contribute to hypotension, as can excessive dehydration or anemia . For these reasons, in the event of symptoms attributable to a drop in blood pressure, it is always advisable to consult your doctor .

Low blood pressure in pregnancy: what to do?

To prevent or counteract hypotension in pregnancy, the following precautions can be taken.

• Limit sun exposure: Heat is a major cause of low blood pressure, because it stimulates blood vessels to dilate and sweat .

• During the day, find time to relax for a few minutes in a comfortable position and, preferably, with your legs raised , to promote circulation. Instead, avoid standing, especially if stopped, for prolonged periods.

• When sitting or lying down, try to get up slowly . This trick will allow the blood vessels to gradually adapt to changes in position, avoiding sudden drops in pressure .

• If you feel dizzy, have blurred vision, or feel faint, lie down with your legs raised above your head to help blood flow to the brain. Once the discomfort has passed, roll onto one side and slowly rise to a sitting position , waiting a few more minutes before standing up.

• If you can’t lie down, sit with your head between your legs and breathe slowly and deeply, or kneel on one leg as if you were trying to tie a shoe, and stay in this position until symptoms subside.

• Especially in summer, drink plenty to restore fluids and mineral salts lost through perspiration.

• Consume plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables: in addition to having a high water content, these foods are rich in vitamins and mineral salts useful for counteracting hypotension, such as Vitamin C ( present in citrus fruits and kiwis) and potassium in apricots, bananas and figs).

• Try not to sleep on your stomach , to prevent the uterus from compressing the vena cava (through which blood returns from the legs to the heart), hindering circulation and favoring the onset of dizziness.

Low blood pressure in pregnancy: when to worry?

A slight or moderate drop in blood pressure is completely normal in pregnancy and is generally not a cause for concern.

However, when the decrease is excessive  it can be dangerous for both the mother and the child . For this reason, in case of extreme tiredness or frequent dizziness , it is always advisable to contact the gynecologist or midwife , to evaluate the need for any tests.