Blood Pressure and Pregnancy

Why is your blood pressure closely monitored during pregnancy? Blood pressure (BP) is a measure of the blood´s force against the blood vessels. Doctors look for blood pressure over 120/80 mmHg, which is the normal blood pressure in pregnancy, in order to spot a condition called preeclampsia, which is dangerous for both you and your baby.

1. Blood Pressure Variations

During pregnancy, the body goes through rapid changes due to the physiological adaptations needed to form a new human being. Blood pressure drops at the beginning of pregnancy as compared to pre-gravid BP level and begins increasing at 20 weeks and throughout the pregnancy.

2. How Pregnancy Affects the Blood Pressure

Why does blood pressure vary during pregnancy? Several physiological adaptations occur during pregnancy that affect the blood pressure, especially the change in hormones that constrict and relax blood vessels. If these hormones loose balance, preeclampsia can develop.

Blood Pressure Range during Pregnancy

1. Normal Blood Pressure in Pregnancy

BP is reported in two fraction-like figures. The top number, or systolic pressure, refers to the force with which the blood hits the vessels. The bottom number, or diastolic pressure, is the pressure in the vessels when the heart is not pumping blood. Normal BP is below 120/80, both pregravid and during gestation. Women that have pre gravid hypertension may have a decline in BP levels during the first weeks of pregnancy, which is normal.

2. High Blood Pressure during Pregnancy

After 20 weeks of pregnancy, an increase in blood pressure is expected. However, if values go above 140/90 mmHg after the 20th week, you may be diagnosed with gestational hypertension. This can further develop into a dangerous condition called preeclampsia, and your doctor will want to keep a close eye on you and your blood pressure, as well as running some lab tests. If you had high blood pressure before 20 weeks of pregnancy, this is a pre-existing condition, and this increase in blood pressure is not caused by pregnancy.

Besides measuring it, it's hard to know you have high blood pressure because you´ll feel nothing. However, when BP levels go sky high, you may start feeling headaches that don't go away, blurry vision, flashes of vision loss, upper abdominal pain, or extremely rapid weight gain. These are called red flag symptoms, and you should immediately get in touch with your doctor if they develop.

3. Low Blood Pressure

It occurs due to hormonal changes that cause dilatation of the blood vessels during the first trimester. Low BP is considered when values are below 90/60 mmHg. It is not treated unless it causes symptoms (it's not a threatening condition). If you experience lightheadedness, dizziness or a feeling of fainting, lay down and raise your legs. Once you feel better, call your doctor.

Preventing Abnormal Blood Pressure during Pregancy

Changes in your body during pregnancy require adopting new habits. There are many myths about what can´t be done during pregnancy. This short list will provide healthy habits during pregnancy that will help you to stay well and maintain a normal blood pressure during pregnancy.

1. No Alcohol or Cigarettes

It's not only bad for your baby but for your BP. Refrain yourself from any kind of alcohol or cigarettes during pregnancy.

2. Don't Gain Too Much Weight

Eating for two is another pregnancy myth you´ve probably heard. Again of 1kg per month is expected. Keep track of your weight gain and try to eat a balanced, healthy food. Reducing salt in your food is recommended for lowering blood pressure.

3. Don't Forget to Exercise

Keep on your exercise routine or begin one in case you were not fond of exercise. A moderate intensity routine of 30 minutes per day will help the body with the physiological changes. Many scientific articles refer to the importance of exercise during pregnancy and its role in lowering the blood pressure.

Conclusion

Blood pressure changes during pregnancy are expected and normal and while BP is closely monitored, almost no variations in BP levels require treatment. Keeping a blood pressure during pregnancy chart is a good habit. If your pressure increases above 140/80 mmHg or you start feeling red flag symptoms, get in touch with your doctor immediately. Life changes are preventive, but will not lower your blood pressure immediately.