Low blood pressure in pregnancy: when to worry.

Having low blood pressure isn't always a problem, as is high blood pressure, but what happens when you're pregnant? It should be noted right away that lowering blood pressure when pregnant is a normal condition and not a cause for concern.

Only in rarer cases, when the pressure drops too far beyond the minimum levels (generally below 90 / 60mm Hg), problems can arise for both the mother and the baby.

Low blood pressure in pregnancy: the causes

Pregnancy itself is a cause of low blood pressure (hypotension), as, as the Istituto Superiore di Sanità reminds us, “the cardiovascular system rapidly undergoes dimensional changes”. In fact, after giving birth, the pressure returns to normal levels before pregnancy.

Other causes that can cause a drop in blood pressure in pregnancy are:

• dehydration and nutritional deficiencies;

• anemia;

• allergic reactions;

• infections;

• kidney problems;

• taking medications that can have this as a side effect.

Another cause of the drop in blood pressure can be found in stress and nervousness; also for this reason, pregnant women are always asked to avoid conditions that may be a cause for agitation.

Low blood pressure in pregnancy: symptoms

Women who suffer from low blood pressure in pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, may experience a greater perception of the problem. discomfort can be exacerbated when you get out of bed too quickly, especially when you spend a lot of time lying down.

Low blood pressure can be a symptom of an ectopic pregnancy, which is when the fertilized egg implants itself outside the uterus. The most common symptoms are those of dizziness, fainting, nausea and blurred vision.

Low blood pressure in pregnancy: what are the risks?

Despite some fears in this regard, low blood pressure in pregnancy is not a risk factor for perinatal death of the baby, but this risk is associated with the gestational age of pregnancy which also has the effect of decreasing blood pressure.

One of the greatest risks is linked to falls that can occur when the pressure is lowered and that can cause even significant damage, both to the mother and to the baby. On the other hand, there is no scientific evidence that demonstrates that the mother's low blood pressure can have direct negative consequences on the baby.

What happens, however, with breastfeeding? Will women with low blood pressure have difficulty producing milk or breastfeeding their babies? in reality even in this case there is no scientific confirmation that this is a disabling condition both for the production of milk and for breastfeeding. The advice is to take a comfortable position that does not create problems with blood circulation and, only if the problem is persistent and constitutes a problem, it is advisable to consult your doctor.

Low blood pressure in pregnancy and feeding

One of the main aspects on which to intervene to maintain regular pressure levels is to take care of the diet. The advice is to eat light and frequent meals, drink plenty of water and increase the intake of dietary potassium, which "contributes to the maintenance of normal blood pressure levels in the general population, of normal muscle and nervous system function".

Low blood pressure in pregnancy: what to do? the remedies

Do-it-yourself remedies or taking medications without medical supervision and prescription should absolutely be avoided. Indeed, doctors generally avoid prescribing drugs unless there are particular specific conditions that justify this choice. The precautions to be followed in pregnancy also as regards the control of low blood pressure are a greater attention to lifestyle and, as we have seen, to nutrition.

It is also advisable to avoid getting up quickly, not standing too long or fasting for too long periods, as well as avoiding too hot baths. Regularity and moderation are the essential guidelines to follow to control blood pressure even in pregnancy. In case of particular symptoms or a particular personal condition, the only really effective remedy is to consult your doctor.

Especially for women who suffer from it, blood pressure measurement is mandatory during every gynecological visit. The test is the classic one and, together with the clinical history of the woman and the evolution of the pregnancy, it allows the doctor to have a general picture in order to evaluate what to do to manage the situation correctly.