Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure) during PregnancyGestational hypertension, or abnormally high blood pressure, is a common cause of concern among expectant mothers, which is why it is often given more focus as a pregnancy complication. However, pregnant women can also experience low blood pressure, formally known as hypotension. This means one’s BP is significantly below the standard 120/80 or one’s baseline measures. There are several un-pregnant folks who can get by with hypotension and lead their lives healthily. For women expecting children, however, hypotension could mean a lot of things, including very serious conditions such as oxygen deprivation for both mother and fetus. Hypotension during pregnancy can cause a woman to feel nauseous, dizzy or light-headed, causing her to faint. She may also experience irregular heartbeats, poor mental function and concentration, blurred vision, cold and clammy extremities, fatigue, lack of appetite, constant thirst and even depression. Hypotension during pregnancy can be treated easily. Increased salt intake is a tricky solution, but effective nonetheless. If a doctor suggests this treatment, careful measuring must be performed at all times to prevent hypertension. A safer way is to increase fluid intake in order to up blood volume and helps stop dehydration in its tracks. There are some medications which can be prescribed safely for pregnant women – These medications, such as Midodrine, increase blood pressure, but may have some side effects. Read more of our articles on pregnancy complications
High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy |