Normal blood pressure of pregnant women is generally slightly higher than before pregnancy. However, if the blood pressure of pregnant women is too high, this condition can indicate a disturbance in pregnancy that can be dangerous for the fetus and pregnant women themselves.
During pregnancy, the body of pregnant women undergoes many changes along with the growth and development of the fetus. One of the changes that occur is an increase in the amount of pregnancy hormones and the amount of blood in the body of pregnant women. This can have an effect on a slight increase or decrease in normal blood pressure of pregnant women.
Normal Blood Pressure Range in Pregnant Women
Normal blood pressure in pregnant women is generally the same as blood pressure in other normal conditions, which ranges from 110/70–120/80 mmHg.
The first number (110 or 120) represents the systolic pressure, which is the pressure when the heart pumps blood around the body. Meanwhile, the second number (70 or 80) indicates diastolic pressure, which is the pressure when the heart is at rest and receiving blood flow back from the rest of the body.
Sometimes, normal blood pressure in pregnant women can slightly drop or rise, but not far from the normal blood pressure range.
If a pregnant woman's blood pressure increases or decreases drastically, it could be due to complications during pregnancy or previous comorbidities, such as having suffered from hypertension or diabetes before becoming pregnant.
In addition, a history of preeclampsia or hypertension in a previous pregnancy can also increase the risk of pregnant women experiencing increased blood pressure.
Blood Pressure Abnormalities in Pregnant Women
Pregnant women's blood pressure can drop slightly to 90/60 mmHg during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. This condition is normal, especially if pregnant women do have blood pressure that tends to be low before getting pregnant.
Blood pressure will usually rise again gradually when the gestational age enters 24 weeks and returns to normal a few weeks before delivery.
In certain cases, the normal blood pressure of pregnant women can increase slightly. However, pregnant women are said to have hypertension or high blood pressure if their blood pressure rises to above 140/90 mmHg.
Generally, a pregnant woman's blood pressure that slightly decreases or increases is not dangerous if it does not cause certain symptoms or does not differ much from the normal blood pressure range.
Impact of Blood Pressure Disorders on Pregnancy
If left untreated and not treated properly, a drastic drop in blood pressure or high blood pressure in pregnant women can cause serious health problems, both for pregnant women and for the fetus.
Blood pressure that is too low can increase the risk of pregnant women experiencing vertigo or spinning dizziness to shock, while high blood pressure can cause pregnant women to experience preeclampsia, eclampsia, stroke, or abruptio placenta.
Meanwhile, pregnant women's blood pressure that is too high or too low can also harm the condition of the fetus. When experiencing drastic changes in blood pressure, the fetus is at risk of being born prematurely, being born with a low birth weight, or experiencing fetal distress.
Tips for Maintaining Normal Blood Pressure for Pregnant Women
In order for pregnant women's blood pressure to remain normal throughout pregnancy and pregnant women's conditions and stay healthy, there are several steps that pregnant women can take, namely:
Routine check-ups
So that the condition of pregnant women and fetuses continues to be monitored, do regular obstetrical examinations to the obstetrician. In addition to monitoring the condition of pregnant women and their fetuses, this examination is also important so that doctors can detect and treat abnormalities that pregnant women experience from an early age, such as problems with blood pressure.
If you have hypertension during pregnancy, your doctor may advise you to limit your salt intake and prescribe blood pressure-lowering drugs that are safe for pregnant women.
Consumption of healthy and balanced food
Eating nutritious foods, such as whole wheat bread, fish, eggs, fruits, and vegetables, is important for pregnant women to do to maintain normal blood pressure during pregnancy. Avoid foods that contain saturated fat and are high in salt and MSG because these foods can increase pregnant women's blood pressure.
Exercise regularly
Pregnant women can exercise at least 3 times a week or according to doctor's advice. In addition to keeping normal blood pressure stable, exercise during pregnancy also provides many other benefits for pregnant women, such as facilitating the delivery process, making sleep better, and relieving pain during pregnancy.
Get enough rest and reduce stress
Excessive stress and frequent fatigue during pregnancy can cause pregnant women's blood pressure to increase. Therefore, to maintain normal blood pressure during pregnancy, pregnant women need to relieve stress by doing relaxation, meditation, or yoga for pregnant women. Pregnant women also need adequate sleep, which is for 8-9 hours every night.
now, now pregnant women know, right, the importance of maintaining normal blood pressure during pregnancy? In addition to maintaining a healthy pregnancy condition, stable blood pressure can also prevent pregnant women and their fetus from unwanted things.
If pregnant women experience a drastic decrease or increase in blood pressure accompanied by certain symptoms, such as cramps or severe abdominal pain, shortness of breath, the fetus does not move, a lot of bleeding from the vagina, swelling in certain body parts, and visual disturbances, immediately consult a gynecologist to get treatment.
