Is low blood pressure dangerous during pregnancy?

I am 10 weeks pregnant, often dizzy, short of breath, increased heart rate. Blood pressure is always below 90/60 mmHg, is this condition dangerous, doctor? (Bao My, Ho Chi Minh City)

Reply:

A woman's body undergoes many changes during pregnancy. These changes can affect blood pressure. As the circulatory system expands, blood vessels must expand to carry blood into the uterus to nourish the fetus, causing blood pressure to drop. This is very common and completely normal. A pregnant woman's blood pressure may be low during the first and second trimesters, then rise again during the third trimester.

You are 10 weeks pregnant. If your blood pressure is consistently low (below 90/60 mmHg) and you have no symptoms, you do not need to worry. On the contrary, if your body reacts to low blood pressure through symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, chest pain, shortness of breath, increased heart rate, pale skin, shallow breathing, rapid breathing..., it can be a sign of a serious health problem.

One of the main risks for pregnant women with low blood pressure is fainting. Some pregnant women who change positions suddenly (from lying to sitting or from sitting to standing) may faint, causing dangerous falls.
Sudden, severe low blood pressure in the first month of pregnancy accompanied by abdominal pain or unusual vaginal bleeding may signal a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. If not diagnosed and treated promptly, a ruptured gestational sac can cause massive bleeding that is life-threatening to the mother.

Additionally, other studies have shown that persistent low blood pressure during pregnancy is associated with stillbirth.

To prevent the above risks, you should monitor your blood pressure daily with a home blood pressure monitor. If your blood pressure is consistently low with the above symptoms, you should see a cardiologist so that the doctor can find the underlying cause and provide timely treatment.

Asymptomatic low blood pressure during pregnancy does not require medical treatment. However, you can apply measures at home to stabilize blood pressure index, ensuring safety for mother and fetus:

Avoid sudden changes in position: do not stand up too quickly from sitting or lying down; sit and lie down gently to avoid fainting; lie on your left side to increase blood flow to the heart, helping to stabilize blood pressure.

Maintain a balanced diet : Ensure adequate intake of 4 groups of nutrients (starch, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals); eat many small meals a day instead of 3 large meals; increase the amount of salt in your diet (consult your doctor to know what level of increase is appropriate); drink enough water.

Wear loose clothing: Avoid wearing tight clothing as it can impede blood circulation, causing dizziness and fatigue. If you have varicose veins during pregnancy, wear compression stockings to improve symptoms of leg pain.

Exercise regularly : You should exercise at least 30 minutes/day with gentle exercises such as yoga, swimming, slow walking...

Bring sweets: Keep candy, cakes, and chocolate with you to use in case of sudden drop in blood pressure before going to the hospital.

MSc. Dr. Huynh Thanh Kieu
Head of Cardiology Department 1, Cardiovascular Center, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City

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