Low blood pressure - any suggestions?

[matilda s mum]

Hi ladies
I have had a MW app this morning (I'm 34 weeks so well into my 3rd trimester) and my blood pressure is low - which explains why I have been feeling tired/ short of breath and at times dizzy and close to fainting - though not actually passing out.

MY BP is 90 over 50. Any nurses or doctors out there who can reassure me that is ok as- despite the MW saying it was ok - I'm worried!

Any suggestions on how I cna get it higher?
Is there anything to worry about with it being low?

Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks xx

[cole]

Hey hun x

I suffered with low bp.

Cant remember anything helping to be honest but I think mine was 85/45 with Georgia and Theo. I had mine checked today and it was 95/50.

Hope someone is more helpful than me but I just wanted to let you know that mine was low too xxx

[matilda s mum]

Thanks honey - that is at least reassuring, but was just a bit scared as surely if my BP is low then the baby is getting less oxygen - or am I being mad?! Gonna call my docs tonight just to make sure. How you doing? hope all ok and that your back pain/ sciatica is lifting xxx

[iwantone]

Cant believe they haven't given you advice or reassurance. I don't think low blood pressure is a big issue like high blood pressure is. Make sure you drink lots as this can definitely contribute to low blood pressure as can the heat. My friend had low BP throughout her pregnancy and her consultant said she wasn't taking in enough fluids which could have brought it on. She was under instructions to drink lots and stay out of the heat. Don't think you have the heat problem in UK so thats good. Try not to worry. x

[cole]

low blood pressure?

I found an old post I done with some advice on it.

Still feel like an old lady - the joys of pregnancy.

I was told the risks of VBAC today and have now added c sec scar popping to my list of risks think this one is defo my last lol

[hiann]

Originally Posted by matilda s mum

but was just a bit scared as surely if my BP is low then the baby is getting less oxygen - or am I being mad?!

Not going mad: i asked my consultant teh same question as I had low BP when pregnant with Cara (known to have low BP when not preg too!) and he said no, baby will be fine and take what it needs which is why the mum feels **** as we're the ones that dont! (I know when my BP's low as I can "feel" my pulse without actually touching my pulse points if that makes sense)

As for what to do....

Lie down and raise legs above head or at least try to sit down with feet elevtaed: blood will still need to go uphill to heart but at least ist not as far to go as if youre standing! ( Lying and sitting easier said that done when theres kids abt!) And make sure you also are drinking enough.

Also whats your haemoglobin like too? As that can contribute to shortness of breath... Also as you get bigger theres less room for your lungs to expand and so you dont get as much air in leading to shortness of breath

Hope you get some reassurance from ur dr!

[dara07]

I had low blood pressure too! Not nice, but nothing you can do about it only hope it goes back up!! Just be careful not to get up too quickly when sitting, or in bed. Mind yourself! Baby will be fine! D x

[matilda s mum]

Thank you ladies for the reassuring advice - feeling more optimistic tonight!

Also phoned my GP who reassured me too.

Thank you for advice about elevating legs/ blood going uphill which makes sense. And will also try drinking more fluid asis something I often ashamedly neglect to do. It has been rather hot for a UK summer this year which does not help matters, so trying to stay cool too.

And yes, I am also mildly anaemic so have iron tablets to counter balance that. Hope this phase passes soon though, as feeling dizzy is not helping my day to day!

Thanks again all - I think I will sleep well tonight for all your help xxxxx