Gestational Hypotension

February 14, 2022Last Updated: February 22, 2022

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What is Gestational Hypotension?

Gestational Hypotension in pregnancy is caused by hormones. Progesterone and other hormones are particularly important. These hormones help relax your blood vessels and increase blood flow to you and your baby. Low blood pressure can sometimes be a sign of another problem. Low blood pressure is due to hormones released by your body, including progesterone, which relax blood vessels and increase blood flow. Sometimes, low blood pressure could be an indication of another problem.

This could be due to an Ectopic Pregnancy where a fertilized egg is placed outside your uterus. It can also cause falls or shock if the blood pressure is too low. Your brain and other vital organs won’t have enough blood to function properly. Low blood pressure can cause a number of symptoms. You should tell your doctor if any of these symptoms occur.

Dizziness
Nausea
Weakness
Fatigue and sleepiness
Fainting
Rapid heartbeat
Confusion and inability of concentration
A blurry vision
Pale, clammy skin

Can Gestational Hypotension harm your baby?

Gestational Hypotension can have a negative impact on babies’ health, but we know much less than high pressure. Research suggests it could cause stillbirth or low birth weight. However, this correlation is hard to prove because of all the variables and risk factors that are involved in pregnancy. Low blood pressure is not something to be concerned about in the vast majority.

What can you do to manage Gestational Hypotension while pregnant?

While medication is not usually required when this happens there are simple steps you can take to reduce the chances of it happening. Relax. Avoid making quick movements and slowing down. Don’t get up too fast. You may feel dizzy or faint if you lie on your left side. This will increase blood flow to the heart. Get lots of water. This will prevent dehydration and increase blood volume. Maintain a healthy lifestyle and increase your salt intake. However, it is important to not overdo it.

The Effects of Gestational Hypotension during Pregnancy

Your doctor or nurse will most likely check your blood pressure if you are pregnant. Blood Pressure refers to the force exerted by your blood against artery walls, while your heart pumps. It can fluctuate between high and low depending on when you feel excited or nervous. Your blood pressure reading can reveal important information about you, and your baby’s health. The doctor can use it to check for other conditions, such as preeclampsia. Your blood pressure can be affected by changes in your body while you are pregnant. It may drop when you give birth. It’s common to lower your blood pressure in the first 24 weeks. Low blood pressure can also be caused by:

dehydration
Anemia
Internal bleeding
Longer bed rest
Certain medications
Heart conditions
endocrine disorders
kidney disorders
Infections
nutritional deficiencies
Allergy

What is considered low?

According to current guidelines, a normal blood pressure reading is less than 120mm Hg Systolic (the highest number) and more than 80mm Hg Diastolic(the lowest number). Gestational Hypotension is usually diagnosed by doctors if it falls below 90/60mm Hg. It can be a lifelong condition for some people.

Low blood pressure can cause problems during pregnancy

Gestational Hypotension in pregnancy is not something to worry about unless there are symptoms. A drop in blood pressure that is large or severe can indicate a serious problem, and could even be life-threatening. Extremely low blood pressure may cause falls, organ damage or shock. It could also indicate ectopic pregnant. This is when an egg implanted outside of a woman’s uterus.

Is there an effect on blood pressure?

Although there has been a lot of research on how high blood pressure affects pregnancy, data about the effects on babies is not as extensive. Studies have shown that low blood pressure may cause problems during pregnancy, including stillbirth or low birthweight. These outcomes can also be attributed to other research. To understand the effects of low prenatal blood pressure upon the health of a baby, more research is required.

Low blood pressure symptoms

Low blood pressure signs and symptoms may include:

dizziness
Lightheadedness, especially when standing up or sitting down
fainting
nausea
tiredness
Blurred vision
Unusual thirst
Cold, clammy or pale skin
Rapid or shallow breathing
Lack of concentration

If you experience low blood pressure symptoms during pregnancy, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Diagnosis of Gestational Hypotension

A simple test can diagnose low blood pressure. A nurse or doctor will put an inflatable cuff around you and use a pressure-measuring gauge (to calculate your blood pressure) to determine your blood pressure. You can have this test done in the office of your doctor, or you can buy your own device to measure your blood pressure at your home. Your doctor may order additional tests if you have low blood pressure during pregnancy.

Treatment

Low blood pressure treatment during pregnancy is not usually necessary. Pregnant women are generally not recommended medication by doctors unless they have serious symptoms or are at risk of complications. During your third trimester, your blood pressure will likely start to increase on its own.