Having a normal blood pressure for pregnant women is crucial. The chart in this story describes healthy blood pressure range for a woman while she is conceiving.
Slight changes in the blood pressure of a pregnant women during pregnancy are considered normal. High BP, swelling in the body, and protein in urine are the commonly noticed preeclampsia symptoms, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy. Abnormal levels during pregnancy can be harmful for the mother and the fetus as well.
It's believed that preeclampsia occurs when the placenta is not working properly. Low or high BP during pregnancy may lead to some serious health problems. For your knowledge, the following paragraphs contain a chart that describes the normal blood pressure for pregnant women.
During Pregnancy
Normal BP 120/80 is the normal value during pregnancy. The following chart will clear the concept of high and low BP during pregnancy.
Blood Pressure (in mmHg) Low : 110/75 Normal : 120/80 High : 130/85
A value below 110/75 will be considered as low (hypo-tension), while a reading above 130-85 will be considered as high (hypertension).
Normal readings can be different for different women. They may also vary slightly according to the overall health, age etc. For healthy women, the average range during pregnancy is between 110/70 and 120/80, but fluctuations in these levels are possible during pregnancy.
Low BP High progesterone levels during pregnancy lead to relaxation of the artery walls, resulting in low BP. A pregnant woman is therefore, likely to faint if she stands for too long or gets up quickly.
Anemia, dehydration (insufficient supply of water and fluids), expansion of the uterus and circulatory system, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels), and postural hypo-tension (pooling of blood in the legs restricting the flow of blood to the brain) are some other causes of low BP during pregnancy.
Following a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water, increasing fluid intake, performing mild exercises can help maintain a normal range during pregnancy.
High BP High BP after 20 weeks is known as gestational hypertension. Women who have a high BP before pregnancy are more likely to have it during pregnancy. Slightly high values can be managed with medications and rest. Very high values can be a cause of concern.
Preeclampsia, which is likely to begin in the 20th week can affect the kidneys. Brain, placenta, and liver can also be damaged. Headaches, hazy vision are some of the common symptoms, but major symptoms, like seizures can prove to be fatal.
A woman with obesity, diabetes, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or scleroderma; under the age of 20 or over the age of 40, one who had high BP during previous pregnancies, etc., are more likely to develop preeclampsia.
Obese women should try to lose weight before pregnancy. Now that you know about the seriousness of this problem, I am sure you would take care and control your BP before and during pregnancy. Regular prenatal care ensures your well-being and your baby's health. So, do not hesitate for regular checkup.
Alternative medicine may help maintain the normal levels during pregnancy. Certain lifestyle changes, like quitting smoking and alcohol, and certain dietary changes, like including healthy foods in diet, avoiding junk foods, fried or high fat foods, regularly performing exercises under the guidance of a physician, can help.
Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.