How to Maintain Normal Blood Pressure during Pregnancy
Generally, normal blood pressure during pregnancy is somewhat higher than before pregnancy. However, if blood pressure during pregnancy is too high, then this condition can indicate a pregnancy disorder that can harm the fetus and pregnant women. Then how to maintain normal blood pressure during pregnancy? See the explanation in this article.
During pregnancy the body will undergo various changes, this occurs along with the growth and development of the fetus. One of the changes that occur during pregnancy is an increase in the amount of pregnancy hormones and the amount of blood in the body. This will have little effect on the increase or decrease in normal blood pressure of pregnant women.
Normal Blood Pressure Range Pregnant Woman
What is normal BP range in pregnancy? Normal blood pressure in pregnant women is like normal blood pressure in general, which is between 110/70 - 120/80 mmHg. Numbers 110 - 120 indicate the systolic pressure, which is the pressure when the heart pumps blood throughout the body. Meanwhile, the numbers 70 - 80 indicate diastolic pressure, which is the pressure when the heart is at rest and receives blood flow back from the whole body.
Normal blood pressure in pregnant women can sometimes increase slightly or decrease, but it is not far from its normal blood pressure range. If the pregnant woman's blood pressure increases or decreases drastically, it is caused by complications during pregnancy or previously accompanying diseases, for example before pregnancy already suffering from hypertension or diabetes. In addition, a history of preeclampsia or hypertension in a previous pregnancy can also increase the risk of increasing blood pressure in pregnant women.
Blood Pressure Changes during Pregnancy
Blood pressure during pregnancy may decrease slightly to 90/60 mmHg during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy.. This condition is normal, especially if pregnant women do tend to have low blood pressure before pregnancy.
Usually blood pressure will increase again gradually when the gestational age has entered 24 weeks and will return to normal in a few weeks before the time of delivery.
Normal blood pressure of pregnant women in certain cases can be slightly increased. However, pregnant women can only be said to have hypertension if their blood pressure increases above 140/90 mmHg.
A pregnant woman's blood pressure that slightly decreases or increases is generally not dangerous if it does not cause certain symptoms or is not dangerous if it does not differ much from the normal blood pressure range.
Danger of Blood Pressure Disorders in Pregnancy
High blood pressure or low blood pressure in pregnant women if not treated properly can cause serious health problems for both pregnant women and fetuses.
Blood pressure that is too high can increase the risk of pregnant women experiencing eclampsia, preeclampsia, placental abruption or stroke. While blood pressure that is too low can increase the risk of pregnant women experiencing vertigo or spinning dizziness to shock.
Blood pressure of pregnant women that is too high or too low can also harm the condition of the fetus. The occurrence of drastic changes in blood pressure in pregnant women can increase the risk of the fetus being born prematurely, born with low weight, to fetal distress.
How to Maintain Normal Blood Pressure during Pregnancy
How to maintain good blood pressure during pregnancy to keep it normal and healthy is to do the following things:
1. Undergo regular pregnancy check-ups
In order for the health condition of pregnant women and fetuses to be continuously monitored, pregnancy check-ups should be carried out regularly at the obstetrician. In addition, this examination is also important so that obstetricians can detect and treat problems experienced by pregnant women from an early age, such as problems with blood pressure.
If a pregnant woman has hypertension during pregnancy, her obstetrician may suggest limiting salt intake and prescribe medications to lower blood pressure that are safe for pregnant women.
2. Consumption of healthy and balanced nutritious food
How to keep blood pressure normal in pregnancy can be by consuming nutritious foods, such as eggs, fish, whole wheat bread, vegetables, and fruits. Avoid foods that are high in salt, contain saturated fat and MSG because these foods can increase the blood pressure of pregnant women.
3. Exercise regularly
Exercising regularly can keep normal blood pressure stable. Therefore, pregnant women can exercise at least 3 times a week or as recommended by a doctor. In addition to maintaining normal blood pressure, exercise can also provide other benefits for pregnant women, namely to make sleep better, reduce pain during pregnancy, and facilitate the birth process.
4. Get enough rest and reduce stress
How to maintain normal BP in pregnancy can be by getting enough rest and reducing stress. That's because if pregnant women are often tired and excessive stress can cause blood pressure to increase. Therefore, pregnant women should have sufficient rest time by resting for 8-9 hours every night. Meanwhile, to reduce stress, pregnant women can do relaxation, yoga, or meditation.
That's how to keep your blood pressure normal while pregnant, if pregnant women experience a drastic increase or decrease in blood pressure accompanied by certain symptoms, such as cramps or severe abdominal pain, swelling in certain body parts, shortness of breath, the fetus does not move, a lot of bleeding from the vagina, and visual disturbances, immediately consult a gynecologist for treatment.
