Pressure during late pregnancy. What is the danger of high blood pressure in the last months of pregnancy

At any stage of pregnancy, high blood pressure negatively affects the health of a woman and a child. For the fetus, this, first of all, threatens with a deterioration in blood supply and a deficiency of oxygen and nutrient compounds, causing the occurrence of defects in intrauterine development. And for a woman, hypertension during the period of bearing a child is, of course, much more dangerous than lowering blood pressure. In the later stages, this condition indicates serious violations, manifested not only in edema and dizziness, but also in severe disorders that can end very badly.

According to the accepted norm, the pressure in pregnant women for more than twenty weeks should not exceed the value of 140/90 and be below 100/60. Exceeding the specified value is regarded by experts as hypertension, and the manifestations and severity of the violation depends on the gestational age at which it appeared.

By characteristic features and timing of detection of hypertension in pregnant women is divided into three varieties:

  1. Chronic hypertension- a constant increase in blood pressure is determined in the first half of pregnancy. In this case, as a rule, a woman suffered from hypertension before pregnancy, and during the period of bearing a child, the condition worsened.
  2. Gestational arterial hypertension- blood pressure values ​​are permanently elevated after the twentieth week of pregnancy. At the same time, protein impurities are not detected in the urine test.
  3. Preeclampsia- usually develops in last trimester, high levels of blood pressure are combined with the detection of protein impurities in the urine (proteinuria), changes in the composition of the blood, and some other disorders.

Classification of hypertension in pregnancy

Ideally, the blood pressure in a pregnant woman should not be higher than 120/80, and values ​​​​in excess of 140/90 are already considered critical.

In this case, hypertension is distinguished by severity:

  • - BP ranges from 140/90 to 160/100, internal organs are not affected.
  • - BP values ​​from 160/100 to 180/110. An increase in the left heart ventricle, an increase in the concentration of albumin in the urine, atherosclerotic changes are detected. blood vessels, a decrease in the size of the vascular lumen in the retina.
  • - BP values ​​range from 180/110 to 200/110 and above. There is a lack of functioning of the heart and kidneys, angina pectoris, exfoliating aneurysm. Perhaps the development of myocardial infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, hypertensive encephalopathy and other disorders.

An increase in blood pressure indicates a narrowing of the vascular lumen under the influence of the production of certain hormones and other factors. The resulting circulatory disturbance is dangerous due to insufficient supply of oxygen and nutrients to the body of the mother and child.

What are the reasons for the increase in pressure in the later stages?

An increase in blood pressure during pregnancy can be explained by the following factors:

  • Age over thirty years.
  • First pregnancy.
  • gestosis, or late toxicosis- a condition that manifests itself in disruption of the vital internal organs and systems. At the same time, the pregnant woman suffers from high blood pressure, kidney failure, edema, and protein impurities appear in the urine.


  • Overweight.
  • Hereditary predisposition - one of the relatives of the pregnant woman was diagnosed with high blood pressure or preeclampsia.
  • Multiple pregnancy.
  • Kidney diseases.
  • Disorders of the heart.
  • Endocrine disorders - diseases of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, pituitary gland, diabetes mellitus.
  • Hormonal disorders.
  • Previous traumatic brain injury.
  • stressful situations.
  • Smoking.
  • Lack of physical activity.

Signs of high blood pressure


  • Severe headaches.
  • Attacks of nausea and vomiting.
  • Tachycardia.
  • Dizziness.
  • Flushing of the face and sensation of heat.
  • Loss of sharpness and clarity of vision.
  • Tinnitus.

What threatens high blood pressure for a pregnant woman and a child?


Unfortunately, hypertension during gestation is common - this condition is diagnosed in one out of every ten pregnant women. Let's find out why high blood pressure is dangerous during pregnancy.

Elevated blood pressure causes:

  • Placental insufficiency is a violation of the blood supply to the fetus due to the narrowing of the mother's blood vessels passing through the placenta and penetration through placental barrier oxygen and nutrients. As a result, the child's body experiences constant oxygen starvation, which can lead to anemia, weight loss and intrauterine developmental defects.
  • Premature detachment of the placenta.
  • premature birth.
  • Death of the fetus.

In the last trimester of pregnancy, high blood pressure can signal the development of severe complications, which include preeclampsia and preeclampsia. Without appropriate treatment and progression pathological condition preeclampsia can turn into eclampsia, a life-threatening disorder for the pregnant woman and the baby.

Disturbances in the blood supply to the placenta and uterus contribute to further vascular spasm and an increase in blood pressure, which leads to a noticeable deterioration in blood flow to the brain, heart, kidneys and other internal organs of the pregnant woman. In addition, the permeability of the walls of blood vessels increases, and water leaves the blood plasma into the tissues, causing an increase in blood clotting, the formation of blood clots, and swelling of the face and extremities.

Particularly susceptible to gestational hypertension are women over thirty-five years of age, with various chronic diseases in history. If blood pressure rises sharply and cannot be lowered, the pregnancy is terminated in order to save the woman's life.

Ways to lower blood pressure


In the last months of pregnancy, it is a dangerous condition for the health and life of the mother and child, so the doctor must select therapeutic measures without fail. To understand how to lower the pressure during pregnancy, the specialist directs the patient for additional tests and examinations by a therapist, ophthalmologist, cardiologist. To lower the indicators, Papazol is usually prescribed (with a slight increase in blood pressure), Nifedipine, Metoprolol and Hydralazine. These drugs are not contraindicated during pregnancy, but the decision on the advisability of taking them should be made only by a doctor.

Regular use will help:

  • Morse or cranberry mousse - to make mousse, juice is squeezed out of half a glass of berries, the cake is boiled for five minutes in a glass of water. Then a spoonful of semolina is added and boiled for another twenty minutes, after which three tablespoons of sugar are put into the mixture and brought to a boil. The mass is whipped and the remaining juice is added to it.
  • Hypotensive juices - smoothly lower blood pressure such juices: carrot-apple, pumpkin, pomegranate, beetroot, lingonberry, cranberry, freshly squeezed juices from citrus fruits.
  • Boiled pumpkin with honey.
  • A decoction of rose hips.
  • Any kind of cabbage.

From drinks, you can use weak black tea with lemon, hibiscus, tea with the addition of mint or lemon balm.

It is forbidden to eat chocolate, drink coffee or strong tea. You should eat as little salt as possible, limit meat products, and it is better to replace meat with fish or poultry.

High blood pressure during pregnancy is the result of not quite good health future mother. Its indicators play a big role during the entire period of bearing a child, there are risks and dangers. Therefore, gynecologists who observe pregnant women pay considerable attention to this issue, because high blood pressure can have a negative impact not only on the woman, but also on the development of the fetus.

Normal blood pressure during pregnancy

Normal blood pressure in a pregnant woman is considered to be the indicators at which the heart muscle and blood vessels perform their functions without much stress and excessive load; nutrients are delivered by the bloodstream to the fetus, and the development of the unborn baby is normal. The average blood pressure readings are:

  • upper systolic pressure 110-120 mm Hg. Art.;
  • lower diastolic pressure 70-80 mm Hg. Art.

Normally, some rises in blood pressure are allowed, but the numbers should not be higher than 140 by 90 mm Hg. Art. If such indicators are registered more than twice, then this is already an alarming symptom that requires a detailed examination and the appointment of appropriate treatment.

An important point for a pregnant woman at the first examination in the antenatal clinic is the need to inform the doctor about her usual blood pressure. Given the significant restructuring in the body of the future mother during the conception of a child and the increased load on the cardiovascular system of the body, blood pressure may increase. And this is fraught with various complications.

Causes of increased pressure

When pregnancy occurs, significant changes occur in a woman's body. Increases metabolism, changes hormonal background. Under the new conditions, the work of the nervous and cardiovascular systems is being rebuilt.

  1. There is an active stimulation of B-adrenergic receptors, which is necessary to reduce the tone of the myometrium. But as a result of stimulation of these receptors in the kidneys, the formation of renin increases and the activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system increases. Due to this, there is a physiological fluid retention in the body.
  2. During pregnancy, body weight increases, which is associated with the growth of the uterus, placenta, growing fetus and increased metabolism. At the same time, the volume of circulating blood in the body also increases.
  3. Against the background of changes in reactivity nervous system there is an increase in stroke and minute volume of the heart, tachycardia develops. But at the same time there is an expansion of peripheral vessels. Thus, in the first two trimesters, there is a decrease in pressure, and in the third trimester it returns to its original level.

With this mode of operation of the cardiovascular system, the compensatory capabilities of the body are limited. With any pathology, a failure in the regulation system can occur.

The reasons that influenced the appearance during pregnancy high pressure, can be very different. An increase in blood pressure can be triggered by physiological factors:

  • stressful situations;
  • overwork or overexertion;
  • drinking coffee or strong tea;
  • active physical exercise;
  • taking certain medicines;
  • first birth after 30 years.

Small jumps in blood pressure quickly return to normal if the provoking factors are removed. In this case, there are no complaints about the woman's health.

But the main reasons leading to an increase in pressure in pregnant women are associated precisely with the onset of conception. These include:

  • hormonal surge in endocrine system organism;
  • kidney disease, which worsened precisely during pregnancy;
  • obesity and excessive weight gain during an interesting position;
  • hypodynamia and lack of physical activity, with an increase in which the cardiovascular system begins to respond with an increase in pressure;
  • genetic predisposition;
  • smoking even during pregnancy;
  • violations in the diet and the use of large quantities of salty and smoked foods;
  • a history of traumatic brain injury;
  • diabetes;
  • pre-pregnancy hypertension.

Pregnancy is a great stress for the body of the expectant mother, so the presence of a predisposition to an increase in blood pressure is quite expected. Only careful observation for a pregnant woman and taking pressure-lowering drugs will help to avoid various complications.

What is dangerous high blood pressure during pregnancy


High blood pressure during pregnancy is dangerous for both the woman and the unborn child. Especially the risk of developing various complications increases in the second half. That is why it is so important to monitor blood pressure throughout pregnancy. Pathology that can develop against the background of high blood pressure:

  • fetal hypoxia - a spasm of blood vessels that occurs both in the uterus and in the placenta, leads to a circulatory failure, as a result of which nutrition is disturbed, it is possible to delay intrauterine development of the fetus, which can be born on time, but with low weight;
  • spontaneous miscarriage - the reason for this phenomenon lies in the development of inadequate functioning of the placenta (feto placental insufficiency);
  • partial placental abruption - a violation of blood circulation between the uterus and the placenta due to increased pressure leads to premature termination of pregnancy;
  • the development of preeclampsia - against the background of high blood pressure, disturbances occur in the work of important systems of the woman's body, which manifest themselves in the development of renal failure with the presence of edema and protein in the urine;
  • eclampsia - the development of convulsive syndrome against the background of high blood pressure is life-threatening for both the mother and the child;
  • retinal detachment during labor dangerous state, threatening in later life blindness.

The presence of such complications requires a woman's careful attitude to herself and constant monitoring of the tonometer indicators.

Signs of increased pressure

If blood pressure has risen, then this will affect the general well-being of a pregnant woman and manifest itself with certain symptoms. With blood pressure below 140 to 80 mm Hg. Art., but above the norm, clinical picture general condition will be expressed insignificantly:

  • periodical headache, insignificant in intensity, with slight dizziness;
  • slight increase in heart rate;
  • hyperemia skin faces;
  • mild anxiety.

If there is a tendency to increase pressure, clinical manifestations progress and are supplemented by the following symptoms:

  • dyspnea;
  • areas of hyperemia of the skin cover the entire body;
  • general weakness;
  • the appearance of nausea, accompanied by vomiting;
  • tinnitus;
  • flashing "flies", stars before the eyes or a veil and fog covering the eyes.

A pressure of 140/100 during pregnancy and above may indicate the development of signs of preeclampsia. The development of this pathology threatens big problems mother and unborn child. This state manifests itself pathological changes from the side of the kidneys.

But not always elevated blood pressure figures make themselves felt in a change in the general condition of a woman and clinical symptoms. In this case, the absence of clinical manifestations does not exclude the possibility of developing severe complications in relation to the woman and her unborn child. Therefore, this condition requires mandatory treatment in order to reduce pressure and normalize the processes of pregnancy.

Classification

Hypertension in pregnancy refers to an increase in blood pressure up to 140/90 mm Hg. Art. and higher. Diagnosis is based on at least two measurements taken in different time. Do this in a calm environment against the background of the absence of antihypertensive therapy. High blood pressure occurs in 7-30% of pregnant women. It can be detected before conception, but may first be recorded during childbearing.


The division of hypertension in pregnant women is slightly different according to the degree of pressure increase:

  • moderate - from 140/90 to 159/109;
  • severe - from 160/110 and above.

According to the classification, 4 variants of pathology are distinguished:

  1. Hypertension that existed before pregnancy: hypertension or symptomatic arterial hypertension. In this case, a standard classification is used, taking into account the degree of pressure increase, the stage of the disease, target organ damage and associated clinical conditions.
  2. Gestational arterial hypertension. It occurs in about 6% of pregnant women. Pathology begins to be detected from about 20 weeks (2nd trimester). If, against the background of high blood pressure, protein is also detected in the urine (0.3 g per day or more), then they speak of preeclampsia. This is one of the manifestations late preeclampsia. Both the mother's body and the child suffer, as the placental circulation. With moderate preeclampsia, a pressure of 140-159 / 90-109 is recorded, with severe - 160/110 mm Hg. Art. and more. If the pressure is not reduced in time, then eclampsia develops. This condition can lead to the death of a woman.
  3. The combination of the first two options, which is joined by proteinuria. This form of pathology is thought of when, before conception, a woman suffered from hypertension. During the bearing of a child, the numbers become even higher, and protein appears in the urine in an amount of 3 g / day or more. This is typical for the second trimester. The occurrence of edema is not an important diagnostic criterion, since with normal pregnancy in 60% of cases, edema is also observed.
  4. unclassified form. This form is spoken of if a woman has not been observed anywhere before 20 weeks. The pressure is measured for the first time and pathology is detected. Such women should be observed after childbirth by a doctor for a long time and constantly monitor their condition.

What to do if blood pressure rises during pregnancy


Management of pregnant women with high blood pressure depends on the cause that caused this pathological reaction. Therefore, in each specific case specific treatment is determined according to the symptoms.

For the most part, drug therapy is carried out in a complex manner and is combined with non-drug treatment, as well as with the recommendation to adhere to the regimen of the day, rest and diet. Non-drug treatments for high blood pressure include the following:

  • limitation of physical and domestic loads;
  • protecting a pregnant woman from stressful situations;
  • compliance with the daily routine;
  • a full night's rest for at least 9 hours;
  • a balanced diet with limited salt intake;
  • restriction in the use of animal fats;
  • restriction in the use of confectionery and sugar;
  • go to fractional nutrition 5-6 times a day;
  • the use of juices: carrot, apple, pumpkin, cranberry.

The main goals of antihypertensive therapy:

  1. Prevention of complications that may occur if pressure is not reduced in time.
  2. Preservation of pregnancy to optimal terms of delivery.
  3. Providing conditions for the normal development of the fetus.

If a woman has been suffering from hypertension for a long time and is already receiving treatment, then prohibited drugs are canceled, replacing them with safer ones for the child.

When gestational hypertension is detected, treatment is carried out in an obstetric hospital. If the pressure returns to normal, there is no protein in the urine, nothing threatens the life of the mother and child, then further treatment continues on an outpatient basis. Approximately 2-3 weeks before the expected date of delivery, the pregnant woman should go to the hospital, where the issue of delivery methods is being decided. If stabilization of the condition does not occur, then the woman will have to spend the entire time remaining until the birth of the child in the hospital.

Not all antihypertensive drugs are suitable for pregnant women. These are specially approved drugs that do not adversely affect the unborn child. These include:

  • Dopegid - is prescribed up to 28 weeks of pregnancy;
  • Nifedipine, Verapamil - is prescribed from the second trimester of pregnancy;
  • Atenolol, Labetalol - is prescribed from the second trimester of pregnancy.

If available slight increase pressure, it is recommended to take drugs with a sedative effect, such as valerian, motherwort, lemon balm.

It is strictly forbidden to carry out treatment on your own - both medication and means traditional medicine. The consequences of such treatment can lead to unpredictable results and complications.

Complications of pregnancy

If the bearing of a child is accompanied by increased pressure, then the following complications: premature detachment placenta, fetoplacental insufficiency, death of a child, acute kidney failure, eclampsia followed by coma, acute heart failure, DIC, cerebral hemorrhage. All these complications can occur if the disease is completely started, so it is very important to talk about all the symptoms with your doctor.

Treatment in a hospital


Treatment of gestational arterial hypertension and preeclampsia is carried out in a hospital setting. In addition to tablets, other means are also used. Nitroglycerin may be given intravenously. Magnesium sulfate is used to prevent seizures. The drug is administered intravenously in a stream for 15–20 minutes, then they switch to intravenous drip infusion. An overdose of magnesium can be manifested by drowsiness, respiratory depression and a decrease in the knee jerk.

Hypertensive crisis in pregnant women

During pregnancy, there may be significant pressure surges - hypertensive crises. They are provoked by an error in nutrition, when a lot of salt and liquid are consumed, mental stress, and unauthorized withdrawal of drug therapy.

If the numbers reach 170/110 mm Hg. Art. or exceed these figures, immediate hospitalization in the department of pathology of pregnant women is required. Constant medical monitoring of the condition of the woman and her child is necessary. Medicines are usually given intravenously. This allows you to gradually reduce the pressure and timely stop the infusion of the drug, preventing the development of hypotension.

Prevention

To reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure, doctor's recommendations will help:

  • on compliance with the regime of work and rest;
  • good nutrition;
  • limitation from stressful situations and physical exertion.

Self-monitoring of blood pressure and regular monitoring in the antenatal clinic will help in identifying and preventing an increase in blood pressure, the development of pathological symptoms that pose a threat to both the health of a woman and her unborn baby.

Conclusion

When planning a pregnancy, a woman must full examination. If at the same time it has high blood pressure, it is necessary to be examined even more carefully with an assessment of the state of all organs and systems: kidneys, brain, heart and blood vessels. If antihypertensive therapy is used, it is necessary to carry out its correction in advance.

If the pathology has developed against the background of pregnancy, then it is necessary to constantly be under medical supervision, clearly follow all the instructions. Pills for pressure during pregnancy are prescribed only by a doctor. You can’t do this on your own, as you can harm not only yourself, but also the unborn child. After delivery, you should carefully monitor the pressure and continue to be observed by a doctor.

Why is the doctor observing your pregnancy constantly interested in your blood pressure? Why good health is not sufficient reason to stop monitoring the level of pressure? What are the symptoms to look out for close attention- and should I be afraid to take drugs to reduce pressure?

These questions are answered by specialists of the Center for Family Planning and Reproduction.









Normal and high blood pressure during pregnancy

How is arterial hypertension treated?

First of all, please note: in order to cope with hypertension, you need to be observed by both an obstetrician-gynecologist and a general practitioner. Hypertension is treated not only with medication, but also with the help of lifestyle adjustments.

    eliminate emotional stress;

    spend at least 2 hours a day on fresh air;

    change the diet: no more than 5 g of salt per day, a minimum of vegetable and animal fats, an abundance of cereals, dairy products and vegetable fiber;

    be physically active (within reason),

    accustom yourself to rest during the day (“bed rest”);

    keep hypertension under control, regularly take tests, do not stop antihypertensive therapy without special instructions from a doctor.

In some cases, you may also be prescribed physiotherapeutic procedures: electrosleep, inductothermy of the feet and legs, diathermy of the perirenal region.

Is it possible to manage only non-drug measures?

This is quite possible if you have previously been hypertensive, your pressure does not exceed 140-150 to 90-100, there are no serious pressure surges, you have no signs of damage to the kidneys, fundus and fetoplacental system.

However, if the results do not give the desired result, it is worth switching to drug treatment and starting taking antihypertensive drugs.

Isn't it bad for pregnant women to take blood pressure medication?

Looking what preparations. Naturally, in no case should you take “on-duty” pills from the first-aid kit or take drugs that your mother (grandmother, girlfriend) drinks. But, fortunately, there are a number of medications that are harmless to the fetus. It is they who will be prescribed to you by the doctor who leads your pregnancy.

Pressure and pregnancy: an algorithm of actions

Situation 1. I am hypertensive and plan to become pregnant. What should I do?

It is very good that you take care in advance that the pregnancy proceeds normally. We are much more able to help you before pregnancy than during it.

    First of all, buy a blood pressure monitor and check your "working" pressure. To do this, you need to collect information about the level of your pressure over several weeks and then report the results of the observations to your doctor.

    Your therapist will prescribe you a course of antihypertensive therapy to help you bring your blood pressure under control. After that, you can safely carry the pregnancy.

    Your pressure problems may also be related to excess weight - then your doctor will recommend that you adjust your diet and lifestyle, as well as carefully monitor how you gain weight.

    Get ready for the fact that during pregnancy you will need to monitor the level of pressure.

Situation 2. I am hypertensive, I am already pregnant and have not undergone antihypertensive therapy. What to do now?

You are not alone: ​​quite often in the second trimester of pregnancy, around the 20th week, pregnant women experience an increase in blood pressure. This may be due to the development of the placenta, the patient's lifestyle, or other factors.

You realize that you have a problem with pressure - and this is already good. If you do not ignore the recommendations of the doctor, you are very likely to be able to carry the pregnancy.

    Monitor your blood pressure, see your therapist and cardiologist regularly;

    Do not refuse a course of antihypertensive therapy if you are prescribed it;

    Keep a diet, avoid stress, regularly monitor your pressure on a regular basis.

Situation 3. I am pregnant, I feel great, but I have high blood pressure.

1. Buy a blood pressure monitor and check your blood pressure regularly. Write down the results: if high blood pressure persists for more than a few days, consult a therapist.

2. Get a course of treatment. Obstetrics is very conservative in terms of choice drug treatment: you will be prescribed drugs that will definitely not harm either you or the child.

3. Don't refuse hospitalization. If the treatment does not work, or the doctor thinks that the risk is high, he will suggest that you go to the hospital. No one has the right to force you to go to the hospital - but you are responsible for your life and the life of the child.

    Give up coffee, strong tea and chocolate;

    Eliminate smoked meats, pickles, fatty and sweet foods from the diet;

    If you haven't quit smoking yet, quit as soon as possible;

    Find time for daily walks, play sports if you have no contraindications;

    Do not miss visits to the doctor, take regular tests and listen carefully to yourself: at the first appearance anxiety symptoms consult with your therapist.

If you notice that your blood pressure is always higher than normal when your doctor measures it, you most likely have a syndrome of "hypertension white coat". Most likely, at the doctor's appointment you are very worried, and this prevents you from getting the most accurate picture. This syndrome is observed in 20-30% of pregnant women. In this case, you need to regularly measure and monitor your blood pressure throughout the day and report the results to your doctor.


Every time a pregnant woman comes for a consultation with a gynecologist, her blood pressure is measured. This happens once every two to three weeks, but ideally, the pressure of a pregnant woman should be measured daily. What is it for? In order to monitor the state of health and, if necessary, take the necessary measures, because pressure drops during pregnancy can be dangerous for both the mother and her child.

As we said, you need to check it every day. To do this, you need to purchase a modern electronic tonometer. Such a device automatically measures the pulse and blood pressure, remembering the indicators, which makes it possible to compare them. We do not recommend buying old-style devices, because, without experience, you can measure the pressure incorrectly.

Low blood pressure during pregnancy

Reduced blood pressure is called hypotension. At the beginning of pregnancy, it manifests itself in many women with nausea, weakness, drowsiness, ringing in the ears, dizziness, and shortness of breath. These sensations are especially intensified after a night's sleep. By the way, frequent mood swings in women expecting babies are caused precisely by a decrease in pressure. If a pregnant woman has a sharp decrease in pressure, a dangerous situation arises in which the fetus does not receive the substances it needs, and placental insufficiency develops. And this is a direct path to a miscarriage.

What to do to increase the pressure? First, you need to give Special attention a diet in which berries, fruits and vegetables must be present. Particularly useful in this case are black currants, lemons, carrots, beef liver, butter, caviar. Good increases blood pressure strong black and green tea.

Women with low blood pressure are not allowed to take hot baths. It is also dangerous for them to be in stuffy rooms. Particularly important for pregnant hypotensive patients is complete rest and sleep, the duration of which should not be less than 10 hours. Do not neglect daytime sleep.

Acupressure of certain points (for example, between the nose and upper lip in the middle of the furrow, between the chin and lower lip in the center of the crease or on the little finger at the root of the nail) will help increase pressure. To do this, you need to massage the named points, and finish the massage by “kneading” the tips of each finger on both hands.


High blood pressure during pregnancy

High blood pressure is called hypertension. As a result of this condition, headaches, tinnitus can occur. Often there is bleeding from the nose, heaviness in the legs. The cause of high blood pressure during pregnancy is the changes that occur in the body of the expectant mother. Mainly, it occurs as a result of increased blood circulation, while its volume remains unchanged. Especially often the tendency to high blood pressure occurs in the second half of pregnancy, when the volume of blood increases by a whole liter. In this state, an increase in performance by 5-15 units is considered the norm, but here a big difference- an alarm signal.

In the case of increased, just like with low blood pressure, it is necessary to reconsider the nutrition of the pregnant woman. It will be useful to use natural birch or beet sap.

Well helps to reduce blood pressure cranberry mousse. To do this, you need to take 1/3 cup of cranberries, rinse and squeeze the juice. Oil cakes should be poured with a glass of boiling water and put on a slow fire. But not for long - five minutes is enough. After that, you need to strain. In the resulting broth, you need to add one tablespoon of semolina and continue to cook for twenty minutes. Don't forget to stir constantly. Then add a few tablespoons of sugar, bring to a boil and turn off the burner. When the mass has cooled, beat it with a mixer so that it becomes light pink in color, while slowly adding cranberry juice, which must first be cooled in the refrigerator.

But pregnant women with high blood pressure will have to give up strong tea, coffee and even chocolate. These products increase the already high blood pressure.


You can have a massage. To do this, you need to press on a point that is located in the midline of the abdomen immediately below the sternum. This should be done simultaneously with the index, middle and ring fingers of both hands. Release after 10 seconds and repeat. In total, you need to make 10 such pressures.

You can also press with a pad thumb right hand to a point located in the depth of the occipital fossa. This is where the spine attaches to the head. Also, counting to 10, you need to stop the impact. Two times is enough.

Especially for beremennost.net - Olga Pavlova

pressure during pregnancy

The level of blood pressure is an important indicator of the well-being and condition of a pregnant woman. It is measured at each visit to the obstetrician-gynecologist during the entire period of bearing the baby.

What should be the pressure of expectant mothers in the norm and what to do if the values ​​deviate from normal, we will tell in this material.

Norms


The indicators that are measured in pregnant women with a tonometer are called arterial or blood pressure. In essence, the force with which blood presses on the inner walls of blood vessels is determined.

The result is expressed in two numbers written through a fraction. The first number is upper pressure or systolic- This is an indicator of blood pressure at the moment of tension of the heart muscle and its contraction. The second number is the so-called lower pressure or diastolic is a measure of the pressure at the time of relaxation of the heart.

The level of pressure depends on the volume of blood that the heart pumps per second. It can be affected by the time of day, and the general well-being of a woman, and her weight, and psychological state.

If a woman is nervous, then the pressure rises. Food and drinks can affect the pressure, for example, strong tea increases the level of blood pressure, and the medications that the expectant mother takes also affect the indicators.

During pregnancy, a woman's body works in a different mode, all organs and systems "work" to the limit of their capabilities in order to save the baby and provide him with everything necessary for normal growth and development.

The blood pressure on the vessels in expectant mothers also depends on specific factors that are characteristic only of women in an “interesting position”.

So, in the first trimester, her body produces a large number of the hormone progesterone, which is necessary to preserve the embryo and create all the conditions for its development.

However, a side effect of this hormone is the relaxation of the vascular walls. That's why in the first trimester, the pressure may be slightly reduced. It begins to rise in the period from 28 to 32 weeks, when the volume of the mother's circulating blood increases more than 2 times.

Permissible fluctuations are considered to be an increase in pressure in the first half of pregnancy by 5-15 mm Hg relative to the norm of systolic and 5-10 mm Hg - diastolic pressure. In general, a blood pressure of 120/80 is considered normal.

Table of blood pressure norms adopted by WHO:


What should be the pressure in a pregnant woman, it is definitely difficult to answer. In order to better understand what is going on with this the most important indicator during the period of bearing crumbs, a woman should know what pressure is normal for her personally.

So, there are ladies who have “working”, their own blood pressure is always within 90 to 60 or 100 to 70. At the same time, they are cheerful, cheerful, feel good, and such hypotension will not be considered pathological.

In such hypotensive women, an increase in blood pressure to "almost normal" values, for example, up to 130 over 80, will be accompanied by signs of hypertension. And for a woman, for whom the norm is 120 to 80, such a slight increase in the level of upper pressure (by 10 mm Hg) will not cause any inconvenience.

Sometimes fluctuations in blood pressure are accompanied by symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, but often a pregnant woman does not even realize that her blood pressure level is far from normal.

That is why doctors try to measure this indicator as often as possible, at each meeting with the expectant mother, and also recommend that women in a position do it on their own between visits to the antenatal clinic.

Reasons for the increase

The volume of blood flow increases in all women who are expecting a baby. But not everyone has high blood pressure because of this. The occurrence of hypertension is influenced by many additional factors that automatically make a woman a representative of a high-risk group:

  • genetic predisposition, heredity;
  • multiple pregnancy;
  • obesity and large weight gain, overweight before pregnancy;
  • Availability diabetes as well as gestational diabetes;
  • diseases of the cardiovascular system;
  • chronic kidney and liver diseases;
  • habitual hypertension (in the absence of concomitant diseases);
  • stress, long-term adverse psychological effects;
  • irrational mode - insufficient sleep, an abundance of salty foods in the diet;
  • the age of the future mother is more than 35 years old or less than 18 years old.

Reasons for the downgrade

The pressure drop has and physiological causes. So, nature provided that in the 1st trimester of pregnancy there would not be a strong load on the vessels that had just formed - the vessels of the new organ - the placenta.

A natural decline is said to occur if the fluctuation occurs within 10 millimeters of mercury. If, in a woman with a normal pressure of 120 to 80, the blood pressure drops to 90 and 60, then this is just as alarming as the increase in the indicator. Causes of hypotension can be:

  • a woman's sedentary lifestyle, when work or hobbies are associated with a long stay in one position almost motionless;
  • prolonged stress, anxiety, emotional distress;
  • a condition of blood loss after bleeding or surgery;
  • states of dehydration;
  • prolonged lack of sleep;
  • malnutrition;
  • cardiovascular diseases;
  • peptic ulcers of the digestive system;
  • insufficient functioning thyroid gland;
  • infectious diseases in the acute stage.

Danger and risks

The greatest danger that lies in the increase in pressure during pregnancy is preeclampsia. With it, a woman usually develops edema, and the presence of protein in the urine is recorded in the laboratory. Preeclampsia is dangerous for both the woman and her child. It can cause death of the mother and fetus.

High pressure creates spastic readiness of blood vessels, and spasms cause hemorrhages in various organs, including the brain. The likelihood of thrombosis and dehydration increases. The most formidable consequence is premature detachment of the placenta and intrauterine death of the baby.

The statistics are disappointing every tenth woman with mild preeclampsia gives birth earlier due date Sometimes the child is not yet ready for an independent life.

With average preeclampsia, two out of ten women experience premature birth, and in severe cases, three or four expectant mothers of ten of them enter the maternity ward much earlier than the appointed time.

Prolonged preeclampsia, which proceeds measuredly, without sudden pressure surges, often causes intrauterine oxygen deficiency, the child develops hypoxia. The state of hypoxia leaves its mark on the mental and physical development baby, on his immunity.

High blood pressure is also dangerous during childbirth. It creates a threat of severe bleeding, large blood loss and even death of a woman. Therefore, quite often a decision is made to carry out an early caesarean section in order to save the baby and his mother.

If high blood pressure is not accompanied by the appearance of protein in the urine and edema, then there is no talk of preeclampsia as such. Classical gestational hypertension is less dangerous, but it certainly harms the baby and mother, and requires intervention and assistance.

The danger of low pressure lies in the fact that blood with hypotension enters the organs much more slowly and in smaller quantities. This is fraught with the development of oxygen starvation of both mother's tissues (brain, heart) and fetal hypoxia.

An expectant mother with low blood pressure has a higher risk of developing placental insufficiency, intrauterine growth retardation, the birth of a small baby, and the risk of early miscarriage or late preterm birth is also increased.

Low pressure aggravates the course of toxicosis of pregnant women, and also indirectly affects the labor force- in women with pathologically low blood pressure during childbirth, there is more often a weakness of the birth forces, which leads to an emergency caesarean section. Recovery after childbirth in such mothers is slower, the risks of complications in the form of prolonged bleeding are higher.

Symptoms of hypertension

A woman can guess about increased pressure by some characteristic signs:

  • headache, moreover, it intensifies as the pressure increases;
  • feeling of flies flickering before the eyes;
  • attacks of sudden dizziness;
  • a feeling of rolling nausea, which in some cases may be accompanied by the occurrence of a gag reflex;
  • noise in ears;
  • red spots on the skin in the face, neck and chest.

Sometimes hypertension occurs without symptoms at all, and this is considered the most dangerous. The negative impact on the child may go unnoticed for a long time due to the lack of objective complaints.

Symptoms of hypotension

The decrease in pressure, if it occurs gradually, also most often goes unnoticed. But a sharp decline or decline is much lower normal level may be accompanied by the following symptoms:

  • feeling of heaviness in the head, aggravated by movement;
  • increased drowsiness and feeling of weakness, fatigue;
  • the appearance of shortness of breath, which becomes more pronounced even with a slight increase in physical activity;
  • nausea and dizziness with a sharp rise from a horizontal position, as well as with a sharp change in body position in space;
  • episodes of loss of consciousness, fainting.

How to normalize pressure? high

It is dangerous to make a decision on choosing a way to normalize blood pressure during pregnancy on your own. It is better to contact your doctor.

To lower blood pressure values, it is usually prescribed complex treatment which includes lifestyle modifications and medications. Its place in the treatment of high blood pressure is assigned to folk remedies. Doctors in most cases do not mind the use of some of them, especially since The choice of medicines during pregnancy is very limited.

The best effect can be achieved only if the treatment is truly comprehensive, and the woman follows all the doctor's recommendations.

If problems with high blood pressure begin in the first trimester, doctors try to hospitalize the pregnant woman and treat her under round-the-clock supervision. From week 28, when the pressure in most pregnant women rises, women with high rates AD are also subject to hospitalization.

In the 3rd trimester after 36 weeks, a woman can also receive a referral to a hospital for antenatal hospitalization, since doctors need time to bring her pressure level to a relative norm before delivery or prepare for a planned caesarean section, which is performed not at 40 weeks, but for a couple of weeks earlier.

It is necessary to limit the load on the nervous system, exclude all stress factors, limit heavy physical exertion. An abundance of salt should be excluded from the diet, consuming no more than five grams of this product per day.

Should be monitored drinking regimen, do not drink plenty of fluids, but also avoid dehydration.

An expectant mother with high blood pressure should take easy walks in the fresh air. Taking hot baths with high pressure is dangerous, it is better to limit yourself to a warm shower.

From folk remedies you can use natural fresh juices- carrot, lingonberry, cranberry, mountain ash, eat hawthorn fruits, cook chokeberry jelly, brew herbal teas with chamomile, valerian, motherwort and lemon balm, as well as mint leaves and drink them warm.

As soon as the doctor diagnosed a woman with hypertension, she should acquire a useful device - a home tonometer, so that twice a day, in the mornings and evenings, measure the pressure on her own and write the results in a table like this:

It is important to measure the pressure on both hands, since the difference between the indicators in itself is a reason to see a doctor. The completed tablet should be taken with you to the next appointment so that the doctor can assess the dynamics of blood pressure and make a more accurate decision on prescribing or canceling drugs or the need for hospitalization.

If a pregnant woman, in addition to pressure, has other signs of preeclampsia - edema, then another plate should be created in which she can indicate daily, how much liquid was drunk, and how much is allocated. This will help to understand how the kidneys work and whether severe complications have begun.

The choice of medicines for high blood pressure for expectant mothers is very limited, most drugs with such an effect are very harmful to a growing child, teratogenic. Therefore, doctors try to prescribe only those few remedies that have already been tested for many years of medical practice.

If the pressure rises slightly, the woman will be prescribed drugs with a slight sedative effect - motherwort, valerian tablets, as well as natural preparations"Persen" or "Novopassit". Good for mild hypertension "No-shpa". It is prescribed at any stage of pregnancy in individual dosages.

Women in the first and second trimester, if no other measures help, are prescribed "Dopegit" in tablets. In the later stages, admission may be recommended. "Nifedipine".

In a hospital, the choice of medicines will be wider, under the supervision of a doctor, other medicines that are not recommended to be taken at home, as well as droppers with drugs that improve the condition of blood vessels and nutrition of cells and tissues, for example, can be used. "Actovegin".

If the pressure is reduced slightly, and the woman feels well, then doctors usually choose the tactics of waiting. The expectant mother is recommended to drink hot sweet tea and eat a small piece of chocolate when the pressure is reduced.

Usually this allows you to normalize a slight decrease, for example, 100 to 50 or 90 to 50. If the decrease is significant or occurs abruptly, up to fainting, then complex treatment is prescribed.

To increase blood pressure, folk remedies and medicines are also used. But first, as in the case of high blood pressure, It is recommended to reconsider the way of life. Sleep should be sufficient in time (at least 9-10 hours at night and one and a half hours at night). daytime). Walking is useful, you should move more, since a sedentary lifestyle only helps to reduce blood pressure.

A woman with low blood pressure is contraindicated in abrupt rising from a prone and sitting position, she should rise carefully, gradually. If you feel dizzy, you should lie down or sit down and slightly raise your legs, placing an ottoman or a large pillow under them, for example.

During gymnastics, which must be in the daily life of a pregnant woman, you should not do exercises related to body turns and tilts. If blood pressure is low, it is best to sleep with the window open, providing constant access to fresh air. By the way, walks in the daytime should be long enough - at least an hour.

Expectant mothers with hypotension benefit from swimming, and it would be good if a woman could sign up for water aerobics classes close to home.

Nutrition with reduced pressure should be complete, rich in proteins, carbohydrates and healthy fats, as well as vitamins and trace elements. Pregnant necessarily should start taking multivitamin complexes, designed specifically for expectant mothers, if she has not done this before.

You can quickly raise the dropped pressure by taking cold and hot shower, as well as having mastered a simple acupressure. It consists in circular movements with the index fingers clockwise in two strategically important points- in the center between the upper lip and nose, and also in the center between the lower lip and chin.

When experimenting with a shower, you should not set the water temperature so that the contrast is too pronounced, this can provoke a threat of abortion, increased tone uterus.

Medicinal plants from which you can make tea to increase pressure grow everywhere. IN last resort You can buy them at any pharmacy. This, for example, wild rose (fruits and flowers). Tea from it, brewed in a thermos, can be taken 3-4 times a day in small portions in the form of heat. The main thing is that it should not be too strong.

From other folk remedies, raspberries and currants are used to increase pressure. Berries can be eaten pure form, and you can make jam or compote out of them.

Useful honey, walnuts, dried fruits. But the advice is to eat more salty, since salt increases blood pressure, you should not rush to do it. Really, salt increases blood pressure on the walls of blood vessels, but it also causes swelling, and this is completely undesirable for a woman in an "interesting position."

Medicines to increase pressure are prescribed by a doctor when none of the above methods helps or attacks of falling blood pressure have become very frequent.

All drugs that can increase blood pressure theoretically pose a danger to the placenta, because they act in much the same way - by narrowing the lumen of blood vessels. That's why medications- an extreme measure, when the risk from their exposure becomes less than the risk of losing a pregnancy due to reduced blood pressure.

The drug is used to provide emergency care "Cordiamin" in drops. However, it is only suitable for emergency care, and cannot be a means for permanent use. For longer use, lemongrass, Eleutherococcus tincture and Pantocrine are recommended.

Women with pathologically low blood pressure should also take independent measurements of blood pressure on both hands twice a day, the data is entered in a table and must be shown to the doctor at the next appointment.

A woman with low blood pressure will have to register with a neurologist, these are the recommendations of the Ministry of Health. But expectant mothers with such a problem are less likely to be hospitalized than women with high blood pressure.

Most cases of hypotension can be treated at home, in the usual conditions for the expectant mother. Only those women are sent to the hospital whose pressure surges down are too sharp and are accompanied by fainting.

For what you need to know about blood pressure during pregnancy, see the following video.

As long as you have normal pressure, you feel good and do not even think about measuring anything. But as soon as dizziness, weakness, darkening in the eyes begin, the first thing I want to do is use a tonometer.

Blood pressure is the pressure exerted by blood on the walls of blood vessels. Normal at healthy person indicators vary within 120 to 70. Of course, during the day, pressure can fluctuate in one direction or another, it depends on many factors: physical activity, age, and even food consumed. But in any case, the readings should not exceed 140 to 90, in which case it is worth talking about hypertension.

Pressure 140 over 60 - what does it mean?

But what to do when the upper pressure is increased, and the lower one, on the contrary, is lowered? For example, when measuring blood pressure, it may show 140, while heart rate is 60. This is called "isolated systolic pressure." If the second number is less than 70, then this indicates that the heart pumps a smaller volume of blood than it should. This condition is extremely dangerous, as it may indicate serious violations of the heart muscle and requires the intervention of a doctor.

The reasons why pressure can show - 140 to 60:

    strong physical activity;

    third trimester of pregnancy;

    heart failure;

    diabetes;

  • starvation and excessive weight loss;

    insufficiency of the adrenal cortex;

Necessary examination if the pressure is 140 over 60

Usually, high upper pressure in combination with a lower lower one is more common in older people. This is due to atherosclerosis, which reduces the flexibility of blood vessels. A sharp increase in blood pressure with a low heart rate can provoke a myocardial infarction or stroke. If this condition recurs, it is necessary to be observed by a cardiologist, monitor pressure, measuring it yourself twice a day. Fortunately, now you can buy blood pressure monitors in pharmacies different types. But in no case should you self-medicate! Medications and dosages should be prescribed by the attending physician.

When measuring pressure, you should strictly adhere to the rules:

    Half an hour before the proposed procedure, you need to lie down or at least try to relax.

    Avoid coffee, tea, and cigarettes for a while.

    Do not talk during the measurement, try not to move.

For getting reliable result you should measure the pressure on both hands, and repeat after 30-40 minutes.

How to normalize blood pressure at home?

Suppose you often do not feel very well, and the tonometer shows pressure of 140 to 60 every time, what to do in this case? Lead the right lifestyle recommended by doctors:

    Don't neglect sleep. An adult needs 7-8 hours of sleep to get a good night's sleep.

    To avoid oxygen starvation, ventilate the rooms more often, while you yourself are in the fresh air.

    Organize your diet properly. You need to eat 4 times a day.

    If you have to for a long time sit at work, try to take a comfortable posture and take care of good lighting. Otherwise, you can provoke headaches, which, in turn, will lead to increased pressure.

There are little tricks for quickly normalizing the condition if the pressure is 140 over 60:

    do breathing exercise - deep breath, delay 5 seconds, rapid exhalation (at least 15 times a day);

    diuretic drugs help to normalize the pulse, the volume of blood decreases, and therefore the load on the heart;

    foods rich in folic acid and iron (beans, peas, nuts), help normalize blood pressure;

    do massage of the cervical vertebrae from time to time.

If a person feels good

It should be borne in mind that the medical concepts of the norm are very relative. So, for example, a person can feel great all his life with a blood pressure of 90 to 60, and this is the norm for him, but if the pressure rises slightly to, it would seem, good readings 120/80 as headaches, nausea and feeling unwell begin.

In other words - if you are hypotensive in life, then you do not need to be equal to everyone. You should only lower the pressure or increase it if, in your particular case, this is not the norm. That is, if you began to feel bad. Thus, a person's pressure of 140/60 may well be normal for him.

What should be the pulse of a healthy person?

The pulse of a healthy person should be 60-100 rhythmic beats per minute. It should be well felt. If the pulse is felt weakly, sometimes it disappears altogether, this may indicate pathologies.

The number of pulse beats can be influenced by many factors:

  • general health;

    person's weight.

    Therefore, it is worth taking into account all aspects before making any diagnoses. So, for example, in an athlete or a young healthy person, the pulse can reach 55 beats per minute, and this will be considered the norm, while for an elderly person such a pulse is a sign of bradycardia. And at the same time, constant high marks can warn that the heart is working at the limit of its capabilities.

    Blood pressure and pulse are not related in any way. That is, with high blood pressure, a rapid pulse is not necessary, and vice versa. In other words, if a person has a pressure of 140/60, a pulse of 60, and at the same time he feels good, this is the norm. And yet, these two indicators should be kept within limits and not allowed to increase excessively.

    High blood pressure during pregnancy

    In the first two trimesters of pregnancy, a woman's blood pressure practically does not differ from the pressure of other people. Since the load on the vessels and the heart is still small, the body of the expectant mother may well cope with the load. The only thing, in some cases, the pressure may decrease slightly, this is due to hormonal changes. From the beginning of the third trimester, small jumps may begin. After all, additional blood circulation appeared in the body, therefore, the volume of circulating blood increased significantly, and with it the load on the heart.

    A pregnant woman should measure her blood pressure every day, 140/60 in this case may be the norm if there are no complaints about her health. But it may be a reason to consult your doctor, perhaps we are talking about late toxicosis.

    High blood pressure in the elderly

    As a person ages, blood pressure also increases. Over time, the walls of blood vessels lose their elasticity, the rhythm of the contraction of the heart changes. And to determine their norm, an elderly person should measure blood pressure every day and record the readings. At the slightest deterioration in well-being, it would be good to immediately contact a therapist with your notes.

    More often, older people are faced with hypertension, that is, high blood pressure. It is usually accompanied by headache, sleep disturbance, migraine, nausea, and even loss of vision. Hypertension is very difficult to cure, so you should not postpone a visit to the doctor if you have at least one of the above signs, or, say, a blood pressure monitor showed a pressure of 140 over 60.

    The blood pressure of a pregnant woman begins to be measured immediately at the first appointment with the doctor. The doctor will also check if the future mother hypotension or hypertension. After all, each of these deviations from the norm can provoke trouble. What pressure during pregnancy in the early stages will be considered normal? And what if it is increased or decreased?

    Pressure is normal

    Each of us at least once measured the pressure. For some, it is almost always slightly increased or decreased, but it does not cause discomfort. As for the future mother, ideally, she should know her pressure before pregnancy in order to compare it with the indicators in the new state. The norm in a healthy person is considered to be in the range of 90-120 / 60-80 mm Hg. Art. respectively. Anything higher or lower is considered a deviation and needs to be corrected, as it may affect the mother and child. In fact, 140/90 or 100/60 is a reason to see a doctor as soon as possible.

    It is recommended that a woman keep a record of pressure on her own, mark its indicators on a piece of paper, and then show it to a doctor. Since in the first trimester the fetus lays all the main important for normal life organs, nothing should interfere with the course of pregnancy.

    How to measure pressure yourself: important rules

    Pressure is measured using tonometers. Pharmacies have several options, including the latest generation - electronic. They are quite simple to use, so there are no difficulties with their use. The only condition: a woman must carefully read the instructions. It is worth following a few basic rules to get accurate data:

    • be sure to conduct the examination at the same time;
    • coffee and nicotine can change the data, do not use them at least an hour before the measurements (there is no need to talk about the dangers of even a few cigarettes a day for the health of the mother and child);
    • before putting on the cuffs, it is better to lie down for a few minutes, not to be nervous;
    • if you want to go to the toilet “in a small way”, then you should initially go, and then take measurements;
    • talking, spinning and moving during pressure measurement is prohibited;
    • if there are doubts about the data obtained, you can repeat the procedure in a couple of minutes;
    • drugs affect the performance, so measurements must be taken a few hours after taking them;
    • pressure measurement should be carried out while sitting.

    What indicators indicate low blood pressure

    It is hypotension or low blood pressure in early pregnancy that occurs most often. If a woman had normal indicators before, then deviations of 10% -15% will already significantly affect her body. That is, the pressure is 100/70 mm Hg. Art. for some it will be the norm, and for the second - reduced. The cause of the changes will be progesterone. With an increase in its amount in a pregnant woman, the muscles of the uterus and the walls of blood vessels relax, which leads to their expansion and a decrease in pressure.

    Low blood pressure during early pregnancy is manifested in the following symptoms:

    • a woman constantly wants to sleep, she seems to lack oxygen;
    • increased shortness of breath when walking;
    • lethargy occurs, it becomes difficult to work, because it is impossible to concentrate;
    • sometimes tinnitus is heard;
    • a woman may periodically lose consciousness;
    • the pregnant woman is accompanied by headaches, dizziness.

    Who is more likely to suffer from low blood pressure

    There is a high probability of low blood pressure during early pregnancy in girls diagnosed with vegetative-vascular dystonia, as well as in those who are prone to hypotension, anemia. Expectant mothers who are on strict diets, experience regular stress, and also cannot eat well due to low social level. Dehydration of the body against the background of toxicosis, infectious diseases, and a sedentary lifestyle can also lead to hypotension.

    It is worth noting that the slim girls chances of suffering reduced pressure significantly higher. But for expectant mothers with magnificent forms more likely to be high or hypertension.

    What threatens hypotension during pregnancy

    Low pressure during pregnancy in the early stages is not easy discomfort for the expectant mother, it is also a real threat to the child. Since at first the baby does not yet have a separate circulation from the mother, regular fainting, lack of oxygen as a result can lead to a lag in the development of the baby. However, low pressure can increase the manifestations of toxicosis and vomiting, which will make the expectant mother feel even worse.

    To understand how terrible the "attack" of many pregnant women is, we recommend reading the article

    what is the danger of toxicosis and how to deal with it

    From it you will learn what factors become harbingers of an unpleasant phenomenon, what symptoms may indicate its approach, as well as how to help yourself if such an unpleasant sign of pregnancy has not bypassed you.

    As for the second and third trimester, here, too, hypotension is terrible for the child. By the way, if the indicators only sometimes decrease, then this will not bring such serious consequences, since the vessels in the placenta can already independently maintain normal blood circulation. If a pregnant woman suffers from hypotension for almost the entire period, then placental insufficiency, oxygen starvation of the fetus, difficulties during labor, preeclampsia may develop as a result. But the worst thing that can happen is a miscarriage provoked by hypotension. It is also impossible to exclude severe intrauterine bruises when the mother falls during dizziness or fainting.

    how to raise blood pressure during pregnancy

    To get rid of low pressure, there are several proven methods that are best used in combination:

    • Sharp rises from the bed - not for pregnant women. It is better to wake up calmly, relax a little and enjoy the morning. This will help prevent nausea and dizziness. Some noted that they feel much better if they sleep on high pillows.
    • A light snack right in bed is not a whim, but good habit with toxicosis and hypotension. For this purpose, a small cracker, fruit is suitable.
    • If you suddenly feel dizzy, then you should lie on the floor or sofa, raise your legs along the wall and stay in this position for a couple of minutes. The blood will change its location and enter the brain, saturating it with sufficient oxygen.
    • The effect will be from compression stockings, which also prevent varicose veins veins.
    • Lungs physical exercise improve the general condition, keep the body in good shape and increase blood pressure.
    • Watch your diet, be sure to include fruits and juices in it. Simple kitchen salt can also help solve the problem. Due to the fact that it retains fluid in the body, the blood will circulate better through the vessels. Pregnant women with hypotension are allowed to use salt even a little more than it should be (although the measure must be known in everything).
    • Raw celery root, strawberries - these are exactly the foods that will raise the pressure.
    • As for special teas for hypertensive patients, they can be found in a pharmacy (only reading the instructions can save a young mother from mistaking any medication!).
    • Coffee is possible, but rarely, in small quantities, with milk. Since it is possible to increase pressure in the early stages of pregnancy with its help, but it is worth considering all the possible consequences.

    Any medications can be taken only after consultation with a specialist! Don't listen to anyone! Everything that was completely simple and familiar before pregnancy can become quite dangerous during pregnancy. Special medicines for low blood pressure constrict blood vessels, as a result of which the fetus begins oxygen starvation! Some of them can even develop pathologies.

    What pressure is considered elevated

    High blood pressure during early pregnancy starts at 140/90 mm Hg. Art. But in each case, everything is taken into account individually. Since a woman could have before conception indicators in the range of 90/60 mm Hg. Art., then 120/80 mm Hg. Art. already for her will be high.

    The symptoms of high blood pressure during pregnancy are a bit similar to the signs of low blood pressure, however, they can still be distinguished before measurement:

    • a woman has headaches with different intensity;
    • there are problems with vision, the pregnant woman sees “goosebumps” in front of her;
    • ringing in the ears periodically;
    • profuse sweating begins;
    • tachycardia occurs, failures in normal rhythm work of the heart.

    Who is more prone to high blood pressure

    A slight increase in pressure in the early stages of pregnancy is a completely characteristic and natural phenomenon. After all, the future mother's blood volume increases, the load on the heart increases, but all this is necessary for the normal interaction of the mother-placenta-fetus system. However, there is a category of women who have a higher chance of suffering from hypertension.

    Precursors of increased pressure will be:

    • hypertension detected before pregnancy (in those who have a pressure of 140/90 mm Hg, constantly or at regular intervals);
    • the presence of neuroendocrine diseases (diabetes mellitus, diseases of the thyroid gland and / or adrenal glands, etc.);
    • diseases of the nervous system, accompanied by disturbances in the regulation of vascular tone (encephalitis, myelitis, trauma to the brain, back, and others);
    • diseases of the heart and other organs that can affect the increase in pressure;
    • hepatitis;
    • pyelonephritis;
    • overweight;
    • biliary dyskinesia.

    When high blood pressure is detected expectant mother offered to go to the hospital. Before writing a refusal, it is worth knowing about the consequences of such a decision.

    What threatens high blood pressure during pregnancy

    Like low, high pressure during early pregnancy affects the walls of blood vessels, increases muscle tone. It can also disrupt the normal circulation in the placenta, as a result of which the child will be under constant threat. From the second trimester, hypertension will lead to edema, the presence of protein in the urine and, most unpleasantly, preeclampsia. The latter diagnosis can be so pronounced that either an early cesarean section will have to be performed, or the pregnant woman may be advised to have an abortion in order to save her life.

    A woman who is prone to hypertension has already experienced

    or premature birth, must necessarily independently control the pressure daily.

    How to reduce blood pressure during pregnancy

    The first thing to do when identifying high blood pressure is to see a doctor to identify the underlying problem. All hypertension most often manifests itself as comorbidity, not the main one. Only a specialist can choose the right medicines to reduce the performance and not harm the child. In general, a pregnant woman should adhere to the following rules:

    • reduce salt intake;
    • refuse altogether fatty foods in favor of fruits, vegetables (raw and / or steamed);
    • control your weight, arrange fasting days;
    • not to lie all day on the couch, reveling in your new state;
    • walk more in the fresh air, go swimming, light sports, yoga.

    Of course, we should not forget about the rest. Regular loads, constant over-employment will only provoke the development of deviations. And, of course, be sure to monitor your health and do not delay visiting a doctor. After all, a timely visit often allows you to start treatment on time and avoid serious consequences. Positive emotions and impressions will only become an additional plus when carrying a child, they will add optimism to both the mother and the unborn baby.

    Pressure during pregnancy: normal

    Blood pressure (BP) is a measure of the strength of the action of moving blood on the walls of blood vessels. Any of its deviations to a large or - alarm signal. It is especially important to monitor pressure indicators during pregnancy in order to eliminate the risk of adverse consequences for the mother and child.

    However, do not forget that the level of blood pressure may change under the influence of several factors:

    • during active physical activity;
    • in case of overstrain or severe overwork;
    • after taking a tonic - strongly brewed tea or coffee;
    • in stressful situations;
    • after taking certain medications;
    • during meals.

    During childbearing normal indicators blood pressure are considered:

    • not less marks 110/70 m. Art.
    • not higher marks 140/90 m. Art.

    The abbreviation "m. rt. Art. " stands for millimeter of mercury and is a unit of pressure.

    If the pressure level is below 110/70, it is diagnosed arterial hypotension. And when the indicator exceeds 140/90 - arterial hypertension.

    Should be remembered that in some cases deviations in pressure indicators may be of a physiological nature. So, at the beginning of pregnancy, the amount of hormone in a woman’s blood increases, which is a prerequisite for a tendency for a sharp decrease in pressure. And after the first trimester, when the level of the hormone begins to decline, there is a tendency to increase pressure indicators.

    In the middle of the second trimester, a pregnant woman develops extra circle circulation.

    Consequently, the volume of circulating blood increases and the load on the heart increases. It starts to shrink more and blood flow increases by 2 times.

    This is how hypertension occurs. But in this case, it is physiological and does not require treatment with the general favorable condition of the woman.

    Why is high blood pressure dangerous during pregnancy?

    Regular increase in pressure in a pregnant woman is a serious symptom that cannot be ignored. In such cases, the development of gestosis is possible - severe complication the last weeks of pregnancy, characterized by deviations in the functioning of important systems and internal organs. Most often, the cardiovascular and circulatory systems are affected.

    The placenta secretes substances that form microscopic holes in the walls of blood vessels. Through them, fluid flows from the blood to the tissues, which is why the limbs appear. The placenta itself also suffers from such a process, since it is also subject to edema. And such a state can cause a lack of oxygen in a child.

    High blood pressure in pregnancy also can cause:

    Signs of high blood pressure

    To accurately determine the level of blood pressure, a special medical device is used - a tonometer. It can be purchased in the free market, as in in electronic format, as well as in the usual manual version. But it is possible to diagnose increased rates by a number of pronounced symptoms.

    Main features indicating hypertension in a pregnant woman are:

    • severe headaches;
    • deterioration in general well-being;
    • noise in ears;
    • feeling of nausea and vomiting;
    • redness of the skin of the face;
    • blurred vision and flies before the eyes;
    • fever and dizziness;
    • feeling of heaviness in the legs;
    • nosebleed.

    In some cases, hypertension can occur without severe symptoms, so important to measure regularly mother-to-be pressure.

    Causes of high blood pressure

    High blood pressure in pregnant women individual character. There is no specific reason for its increase, it all depends on the characteristics of the woman's body and its compensatory forces. But a number of factors may lead to an increase in performance. These include:

    • stressful situations and depression;
    • hereditary predisposition;
    • diabetes;
    • smoking and drinking alcohol;
    • insufficient physical activity;
    • excess weight (obesity);
    • kidney disease;
    • tendency to increase pressure before pregnancy;
    • endocrine disorders;
    • diseases of the urinary and cardiovascular systems;
    • received craniocerebral injuries;
    • abuse of salty and smoked foods.

    How to lower blood pressure during pregnancy?

    The main rule is do not self-medicate! Do not take drugs and herbal medicinal tinctures without consulting a doctor. If necessary, the specialist will prescribe diagnostic procedures and treatment methods. And at home, you can try to stabilize the pressure with safe and proven methods:

    • Avoid salty foods and limit your salt intake to a minimum. This will help normalize the level of cholesterol and lipoproteins in the blood.
    • Drink tea (not strong) with lemon or eat a slice of lemon. It reduces pressure.

    All of these methods can reduce pressure. But if there is no improvement in the condition, it is worth seek the help of a qualified professional.

    Prevention

    Any problem is better to prevent than to cure. Therefore it is worth follow preventive measures.

    Such simple rules will help prevent adverse consequences and avoid serious problems.

    High blood pressure for pregnant women is a serious danger. remember, that it is important to monitor any deviations in the work of the body, and if symptoms of the disease appear, you should consult a doctor.