Low Blood Pressure during Pregnancy - What to eat?
Low Blood Pressure during Pregnancy - Signs, Risks, Treatment, Home Remedies & What to eat
Monitoring blood pressure during pregnancy is essential to ensure the well-being of the mother and her baby. The force of blood which pushes blood against the wall of arteries is known as blood pressure. Fluctuating hormones usually cause low blood pressure during pregnancy especially in the first and second trimester of pregnancy. Low Blood Pressure is also known as Hypotension.
Low Blood Pressure doesn't cause severe health complications and it can be easily treated at home but extremely low blood pressure can be dangerous for both the mother and her baby. So, it's essential to monitor the blood pressure during pregnancy to ensure the well-being of your child.
What is considered low blood pressure during pregnancy?
If your blood pressure shows a reading less than 90/60 mm Hg then you have low blood pressure.Signs & Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure during Pregnancy
The signs and symptoms of low blood pressure during pregnancy include:- Breathing problems
- Nausea
- Depression
- Dizziness or Faintness
- Vision Problems
- Fatigue or Weakness
- Feeling thirsty
- Lack of Concentration
- Light Headedness that may lead to faintness.
- Feeling Sleepy
- Shock
- Organ Damage
- Cold, Clammy, and Pale Skin
- Confusion
- Weak and Rapid Pulse
(Also read: UTI during pregnancy)
Causes of Low Blood Pressure during Pregnancy
The causes of low blood pressure during pregnancy include:- Anemia
- Hormonal Imbalance
- Malnutrition
- Infections
- Allergic Reactions
- Internal Bleeding
- Prolonged Bed Rest
- Endocrine Disorders
- Certain Medications such as Alpha Blockers, Water Pills, etc.
- Heart Problems
- Blood Loss
Risks of Low Blood Pressure during Pregnancy
- Pregnant women with low blood pressure have the risk of falling due to faintness. Many women with low bp may faint when they stand up too quickly after sitting or lying down. A pregnant woman can injure herself or her baby if she falls.
- Extreme low bp may lead to organ damage.
- Extreme low bp can keep blood from reaching the placenta which may lead to risks to the baby's health.
- Extreme low blood pressure in early pregnancy can be a sign of pregnancy complication called Ectopic Pregnancy.
(Also read: What is Ectopic Pregnancy?)
Treatment of Low Blood Pressure during Pregnancy
There is no such treatment available for low blood pressure during pregnancy but a pregnant woman can try some home remedies to treat it. Usually, low bp doesn't need any treatment and it starts to rise on its own during the third trimester of pregnancy.Home Remedies to raise low blood pressure during pregnancy
You can raise your low blood pressure by trying some home remedies. Some home remedies to raise low blood pressure during pregnancy include:- Eat small and frequent meals throughout the day.
- Eat a balanced and well nutritious diet.
- Lie on your left side to increase the blood flow to the heart.
- Don't stand up too fast from a seated or lying position to avoid falls due to faintness.
- Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated throughout the day.
(Also read: Purpose & Benefits of NST during pregnancy)
What to eat to raise low blood pressure during pregnancy?
Some foods help in raising low blood pressure during pregnancy. Eat the following certain foods to raise your low bp during pregnancy:- Salty food helps in increasing blood pressure. Eat salty foods.
- Dehydration also causes low bp. Drink plenty of liquid throughout the day to avoid the condition of dehydration.
- You can also consume caffeine to raise your low bp but consume it in a moderate amount.
- Consume those foods which have a high content of Vitamin B-12. Deficiency of Vitamin B-12 causes anemia which is also a reason for low blood pressure during pregnancy.
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Disclaimer: This content is intended for general information only and should not be used as the basis of patient treatment. The given content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, treatment, or any diagnosis. Always consult a doctor for more information. Our website doesn't claim responsibility for this information.
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