Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as it circulates throughout your body. Monitoring blood pressure is a routine part of prenatal care, as it provides important insights into the health of both the pregnant individual and the developing baby. Regular checks allow healthcare providers to identify any deviations from healthy ranges, which can signal potential complications. Maintaining a stable blood pressure aids in supporting a healthy pregnancy journey.
Understanding Blood Pressure Readings During Pregnancy
A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers. The top number, systolic pressure, measures the force when your heart beats and pumps blood into your arteries. The bottom number, diastolic pressure, measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats. Both are measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).
Healthcare providers use a blood pressure pregnancy chart to track these readings over time. This chart helps visualize trends and identify changes, allowing for timely intervention and management if a condition develops.
Normal Blood Pressure Ranges Throughout Pregnancy
For most pregnant individuals, a normal blood pressure reading is less than 120/80 mm Hg. Blood pressure can naturally fluctuate throughout the day due to factors like food intake, energy levels, and stress. During the first two trimesters, blood pressure may drop slightly as blood vessels expand to accommodate increased blood volume.
Towards the third trimester, blood pressure begins to increase. While 120/80 mm Hg or lower is a guideline, individual variations occur. Healthcare providers assess readings within the context of an individual’s overall health and pregnancy progression. Consistent monitoring provides personalized medical advice for a healthy reading.
High Blood Pressure Conditions During Pregnancy
High blood pressure during pregnancy, or hypertension, is diagnosed when readings are consistently 140/90 mm Hg or higher on two separate occasions. Unmanaged hypertension can lead to complications for both the mother and baby. Several types of high blood pressure conditions can occur during pregnancy.
Chronic hypertension is high blood pressure present before pregnancy or developed before the 20th week of gestation. Gestational hypertension develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy in individuals who previously had normal blood pressure and does not involve protein in the urine or signs of organ damage. It often resolves within 12 weeks after childbirth, though it can increase the risk of high blood pressure later in life.
Preeclampsia is a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure developing after 20 weeks of pregnancy, often with signs of organ damage like protein in the urine or issues with the liver or kidneys. Symptoms include:
Persistent headaches
Swelling in the face or hands
Blurred vision or seeing spots
Upper right abdominal pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Sudden weight gain
If preeclampsia becomes severe enough to cause seizures, it is called eclampsia, which can be life-threatening. High blood pressure can lead to complications such as reduced blood flow to the placenta, impaired fetal growth, premature birth, and placental abruption. Prompt medical consultation is advised if any of these symptoms arise.
Low Blood Pressure and Lifestyle Factors
Low blood pressure, or hypotension, is common during pregnancy, especially in the first and second trimesters, as the circulatory system adapts to support the growing fetus. A reading below 90/60 mm Hg indicates low blood pressure. Symptoms include dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, fatigue, blurred vision, and nausea. While not a major concern, very low blood pressure can reduce blood flow to the placenta, affecting fetal development and increasing the risk of preterm birth. If symptoms are bothersome or severe, seek medical advice.
Several lifestyle factors can influence blood pressure during pregnancy. Maintaining adequate hydration by drinking water is important, as dehydration can contribute to low blood pressure. Consuming a balanced diet rich in nutrients and electrolytes helps stabilize blood pressure levels. Engaging in moderate physical activity, as approved by a healthcare provider, and avoiding prolonged periods of standing or lying flat on your back can also be beneficial. Rising slowly from a sitting or lying position helps prevent dizziness.