Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication often associated with high blood pressure. This can confuse individuals with naturally low blood pressure. Can someone with low blood pressure still develop preeclampsia? This article explores how preeclampsia can manifest when baseline blood pressure is not high.
Defining Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a serious condition that develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy. A defining characteristic is the new onset of high blood pressure, involving readings of 140/90 mmHg or higher, measured on two separate occasions at least four hours apart.
Beyond elevated blood pressure, preeclampsia also involves signs of damage to other organ systems. This damage most commonly affects the kidneys, indicated by protein in the urine (proteinuria). Other organs that can be impacted include the liver, blood, and brain.
Understanding Blood Pressure in Pregnancy
Blood pressure fluctuates throughout pregnancy. Many pregnant individuals experience a slight decrease in blood pressure during the first and second trimesters. Healthy blood pressure is less than 120/80 mmHg.
Low blood pressure (hypotension) is defined as readings below 90/60 mmHg. While common, hypotension during pregnancy is benign, presenting with dizziness or lightheadedness. These symptoms are not a concern unless severe or persistent. Low blood pressure is not a risk factor for preeclampsia.
Preeclampsia and Baseline Blood Pressure
An individual’s baseline blood pressure does not prevent the development of preeclampsia. While someone may have naturally low blood pressure, preeclampsia is diagnosed based on absolute blood pressure thresholds. If blood pressure rises to or above 140/90 mmHg, even from a low starting point, and is accompanied by other indicators of organ damage, preeclampsia can be diagnosed.
Diagnostic criteria do not account for an individual’s baseline, but rather focus on thresholds that signify a risk to maternal and fetal health. For example, a rise from 90/60 mmHg to 145/95 mmHg, coupled with other signs, would meet the criteria for preeclampsia, despite the initial low reading. The body’s response to pregnancy can still lead to the condition.
Beyond Blood Pressure: Other Key Symptoms
Preeclampsia involves more than just high blood pressure, as it can affect various organ systems. Proteinuria, or protein in the urine, is a common sign. Severe headaches that do not respond to typical pain relief are another symptom.
Vision changes, such as blurry vision, seeing flashing lights, or temporary loss of vision, can also indicate preeclampsia. Upper abdominal pain, particularly under the ribs on the right side, may signal liver involvement. Nausea or vomiting that begins later in pregnancy can also be a symptom.
Decreased urine output is a sign of potential kidney dysfunction. While swelling (edema) is common in pregnancy, sudden or severe swelling, especially in the face and hands, can be a warning sign. These symptoms, while significant, are observed in conjunction with elevated blood pressure for a preeclampsia diagnosis.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Any sudden or severe symptoms associated with preeclampsia warrant immediate medical attention. If you experience a severe headache, changes in vision, severe abdominal pain, or sudden, significant swelling, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency care promptly. These signs indicate a potential complication that requires urgent evaluation, regardless of your perceived blood pressure.
Regular prenatal check-ups are important for monitoring blood pressure and detecting early signs of preeclampsia. During these visits, healthcare providers routinely check blood pressure and urine for protein, allowing for early detection and management. Open communication with your doctor about any concerns or new symptoms is always encouraged.