Pregnancy is a very delicate time for women. They need to be extra careful about their health as their baby’s health also depends upon it. If care is not taken, it can lead to various medical problems one of which is low blood pressure or hypotension. Women are especially susceptible to this condition in the first twenty four weeks. After that, their blood pressure gradually rises to the normal range.

Low Blood Pressure during Pregnancy

The most obvious reason for low blood pressure in women during the early stages of pregnancy is that the circulatory system is still adjusting itself to supply blood to the baby as well. Besides this, hypotension may also stem from dehydration and clogging of blood in the legs which leads to a restricted supply of blood to the brain. Certain sexual hormones are also released in pregnancy that widen blood vessels, thus leading to the feeling of dizziness, nausea, thirst, depression, cold and in some cases vision problems. If the mother has a history of endocrine or heart problems, then she may also experience low blood pressure.

Even though low blood pressure is not as serious a problem as high blood pressure, pregnant women must seek expert advice. Usually, treatment is not based on drugs or medicines rather on certain precautionary measures. They will be advised to avoid dehydration by drinking ample water, whenever they suffer from hypotension. Moreover, they should not stand in one position for too long and should stand up straight slowly instead of too fast. Pregnant women are also recommended to sleep on their sides rather than on their backs as this position puts vena cava and aorta under a lot of pressure from the uterus.

It is also a belief of many women that during pregnancy there should be no exercise. However, physical activity is good for every one regardless of their condition. There are many safe and light exercises that are designed specially for the health of expecting mothers. These exercises will also help in maintaining blood pressure levels.

However, if none of the above remedies are working, doctors will suggest other ways of raising blood pressure. These may include intravenously injected fluids, in cases where the mother-to-be is severely dehydrated. If the low pressure is due to clogged blood, then special stockings are advised that use gradual compression technology to cure the blockage.

Hence, hypotension can be a potentially severe condition. It is said that prevention is better than cure. When so much is at stake, it is better to be cautious. Low blood pressure can be avoided in pregnancy by visiting the doctor regularly and maintaining a record of one’s blood pressure readings. Finally, eat a healthy diet and infuse it with light exercise for a trouble free pregnancy.

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