Low Blood Pressure During Pregnancy: Symptoms, Risks, Foods And Tips To Follow

During pregnancy, a woman's body goes through physiological and hormonal changes. One of these changes is increased vasodilation or dilatation of blood vessels. This helps increase blood supply to the fetus and supports its growth. However, it can also lower blood pressure and cause hypotension. These changes can also lead to conditions such as gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders during pregnancy and low blood pressure.  

Did you know that nearly 1 in 5 pregnant women in India experience low blood pressure (hypotension) during pregnancy? Hypotension or low blood pressure during pregnancy is a prevalent condition but can be controlled through diet and lifestyle changes. While a slight dip in blood pressure is common during the first and second trimesters, it's crucial to understand the symptoms, potential risks, and healthy ways to manage it. So, how does blood pressure affect the baby? Let's discuss the effects of low blood pressure during pregnancy in this blog.  

Table Of Contents 

1. What Causes Very Low Blood Pressure During Pregnancy? 
2. What Are The Symptoms Of Low Blood Pressure During Pregnancy? 
3. Low Blood Pressure During Pregnancy Risks 
4. Low Blood Pressure During Pregnancy: What To Eat? 
5. Tips to Manage Low Blood Pressure During Pregnancy   
6. Dietitian's Recommendation 
7. The Final Say 
8. FAQs  
9. References   

What Causes Very Low Blood Pressure During Pregnancy? 

The woman's body secretes many hormones that relax blood vessel walls and increase blood flow to the baby, causing low blood pressure (hypotension) during pregnancy. In rare cases, low blood pressure is a sign of an ectopic pregnancy, in which an egg is fertilized outside the uterus. If blood pressure is shallow, a woman may feel dizzy, faint, or shocked when her vital organs cannot reach enough blood to function correctly. Here are some causes of low blood pressure:   

Also Read: Blood Pressure Chart Readings: What You Need To Know! 

What Are The Symptoms Of Low Blood Pressure During Pregnancy?  

Symptoms of low blood pressure during pregnancy include feeling tired and faint, a condition known as syncope. However, the most common signs and symptoms that causes hypotension/low blood pressure during pregnancy include:     

Important note: If blood pressure drops too much due to blood loss, this can result in:   

Low Blood Pressure During Pregnancy Risks 

Low blood pressure may cause the mother to feel slightly tired, lack energy, shortness of breath, and sometimes feel dizzy.    

In more severe cases, low blood pressure due to internal bleeding or other conditions can cause serious harm to both mother and fetus. For example, low blood pressure can cause a mother to lose consciousness and fall, injuring the fetus. Stress is a significant factor that causes high blood pressure, but not low blood pressure.    

Likewise, chronic low blood pressure can reduce blood flow to the growing fetus, causing hypoxic brain damage. In some cases, low blood pressure may indicate an ectopic pregnancy. If left untreated, prolonged or severe low blood pressure can lead to premature or stillbirth. Various risk factors that can cause low blood pressure during pregnancy include:    

Also Read: Importance of Nutrition During Pregnancy 

Low Blood Pressure During Pregnancy: What To Eat?  

In most cases, low blood pressure can be controlled by following a healthy diet during pregnancy and exercise if detected early. Sometimes, certain foods for low blood pressure can help raise blood pressure to normal levels within a short period. These include:   

Also Read: Unveiling The Benefits Of Prune Juice For Health & During Pregnancy And Side Effects To Consider  

Tips to Manage Low Blood Pressure During Pregnancy 

Here are some healthy tips to follow to manage low blood pressure during pregnancy: 

1. Increase Your B12 Intake 

The production of healthy red blood cells in your body is greatly aided by foods rich in vitamin B12 . A lack of this crucial vitamin results in anaemia, which can damage organs and nerves, reduce blood pressure, and cause excessive bleeding. Eggs, chicken, fish (including salmon and tuna), and low-fat dairy products are high in vitamin B12.  

2. Replenish Your Folic Acid Stores 

Folic acid (vitamin B9) is another essential vitamin in foods like asparagus, broccoli, liver, and legumes such as lentils and chickpeas. Folic acid deficiency has many of the same symptoms as vitamin B12 deficiency, which can lead to anaemia and lower blood pressure.    

3. Reduce Your Carbohydrate Intake 

High-carb foods, mainly processed carbohydrates, tend to be digested quickly compared to other foods. This leads to a sudden drop in your blood pressure. You can follow a low-carb diet after consulting with your OB/Gyn or dietitian.  

Also Read: 4 Popular Low-Carb Diets For Weight Loss: Benefits, Food List And Tips  

4. Reduce Serving Size 

Eating a large meal causes your blood pressure to drop because your body needs much more energy to digest it. This is especially problematic for people who skip breakfast and fast regularly. Skipping meals can often lead to overeating as compensation. Even if you don't reduce the overall amount of food you eat, eating smaller portions daily is better for digestion and circulation.   

Dietitian's Recommendation   

Suppose you have had low blood pressure before pregnancy. In that case, it is always a good idea to make an appointment with your doctor before pregnancy to discuss your pregnancy and any complications or concerns it may have. This is also the best time to work together to develop a plan to help you manage your symptoms when you become pregnant. Suppose you have low blood pressure during pregnancy. You should talk to your doctor to effectively manage your symptoms and ensure your and your baby's safety. 

The Final Say 

Remember, experiencing occasional low blood pressure during pregnancy is often normal, especially in the early stages. However, if you experience persistent symptoms or have concerns, seeking guidance from your doctor is essential. They can monitor your blood pressure and recommend the best course of action for you and your baby. 

By understanding the signs, potential risks, and management strategies for low blood pressure during pregnancy, you can play a proactive role in ensuring a healthy journey for both you and your little one. 

FAQs 

1. Is 90 60 blood pressure during pregnancy normal? 

A young, healthy adult's blood pressure should be between 90/60 and 120/80.  

2. What foods increase blood pressure?   

Several foods can help raise blood pressure, including foods that digest slowly, such as whole grains, legumes, proteins, and healthy oils. Healthy foods rich in vitamin B12, folic acid, caffeine, or salt may help increase blood pressure.   

References  

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