Hypertension in pregnancy has been extensively studied, yet little research has been done on hypotension in pregnancy. Hypotension during pregnancy can be quite dangerous if not treated. It refers to abnormally low blood pressure that slows blood circulation to vital organs and other parts of the body. This inevitably affects the proper functioning of the body.
Blood pressure will be tested at each prenatal appointment throughout pregnancy. Two readings are taken - the systolic pressure is recorded as the heart beats, and the second diastolic reading is taken during the rest period between beats. In general, the average blood pressure range for a pregnant woman is between 110/70 to 120/80. Some experts define low blood pressure as readings lower than 90 systolic or 60 diastolic.
Signs and Symptoms of Hypotension
It is important for pregnant women to listen to their bodies for signs and symptoms of any complication in order for it to be diagnosed and treated right away. The following symptoms may indicate hypotension:
- Light-headedness
- Dizziness
- Fainting spells
- Irregular heartbeat
- Shallow or rapid breathing
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Clammy skin
- Fatigue
- Thirst
- Foul smelling urine
- Stiff neck
During pregnancy, a woman's circulatory system expands rapidly, causing blood pressure to drop. In the first 24 weeks of pregnancy, systolic pressure can drop five to 10 points and diastolic pressure can drop 10 to 15 points. Although this is common, other factors must be ruled out to reduce any dangers to the mother and baby.
Postural vs. Supine Hypotension
Postural hypotension happens when a quick change in body position occurs, such as standing up too abruptly. This condition is characterized by falling blood pressure when this sudden movement occurs. The blood therefore leaves the brain too quickly due to this force.
Supine hypotension occurs with increased pressure that the enlarged uterus puts on the vena cava and aorta. This happens most often when the woman is lying on her back, which is not recommended in the second half of pregnancy. If hypotension is ignored, the mother and baby can be put in danger.
Treatment
The kind of treatment administered on the patient depends on what the cause for the hypotension is, age, and health. Some common methods of treatment include:
- Increased sodium/salt intake – A health care practitioner will give specific recommended doses of salt intake to increase low blood pressure.
- Increased water intake - Fluids increase blood volume and prevent dehydration.
- Medication - Certain drugs allow the kidneys to retain sodium, and other medications block the body's reaction to adrenaline that can be responsible for low blood pressure.
For more pregnancy-related information, please visit: www.complete-pregnancy-guide.com.
References:
1. oxfordjournals.org
2. mayoclinic.com
3. blood-pressure-updates.com
4. Glade, Curtis B., MD, OBGYN, Your Pregnancy Week by Week, 1997
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