low blood pressure - anyone else got this?

[blondieminx]

I'm just about 17 weeks and my blood pressure has been getting lower every time they measure it - currently 98/70 and I keep feeling faint when I get up! Does anyone else have this and what did the medics do for you about it? Have got a consultant appointment next week, but would be interested to hear about other ladies experiences!

[Dophus]

I had this in both my previous pgs and suspect I will have it in this one.

There was never any interevention as there is not risk to you or baby, or so they said (unlike high BP).

I used to get stars in my eyes whenever I stood up and was very light headed.

[PavlovtheForgetfulCat]

apparantly they are more concerned about the lower number than the higher number? I asked this as my blood pressure is always around 100/50 and they are not concerned, I guess its the higher number in your case that they are bothered about then?

Sorry I cannot be much help, i guess as mine is always low they are not bothered? But they are not doing anything about it!

I shall read with interest what others say about it. I hope all is ok x

[pania]

I had it all the way through my pregnancies. Was usually in the 80-90 over 50-70 range.
There's nothing they can really do and as far as they're concerned, the lower it is the better. It's exhausting though!

[Dophus]

Pavlov is correct - the lower number is the one that's watched.

Blondie - mine dropped much lower than yours is currently in my pgs. I really wouldn't get concerned - just stand up carefully!

[PavlovtheForgetfulCat]

pania - does it make you tired? I am excesssively tired, I wonder if that is why?

[DjangoTheDjinn]

My bp was around 80/50 for most of the pregnancy, bit higher during labour! I was just told to take it easy, not get up too quickly, careful of going from hot to cold places or vice versa (winter when pg so struggled with going from cold outside to warm inside).

They weren't concerned in the slightest though did faint several times and had to review what I could and couldn't do.

[pania]

I do remember being told to make sure to stay well hydrated, but I suppose everyone should do that especially when pregnant!

I found eating salty things and, if I felt really wiped out, having a cup of coffee helped.

[pania]

Sorry Pavlov, x-posted. Yes that's probably why!

[blondieminx]

Pavlov If you're permanently tired have they checked your iron and thyroid levels? If they haven't then worth asking for this to be done. I do like your username btw!

[PavlovtheForgetfulCat]

The only time my blood pressure went above this was when my midwife came around to see me at home about half hour after I had an almighty argument with my sister, midwife was very concerned indeed as bp rocketed!!! I don't know what it went up to now but it concerned her! It did not even raise that high when in labour (it hardly raised at all in labour)

[blondieminx]

PS good to know I'm not the only one - thanks for sharing ladies

[PavlovtheForgetfulCat]

blondie - last iron was done about 6 weeks ago? It was fine then, I started out with good iron levels (13.8) so got some reserves. I am due another test in a couple of weeks. Don't think thyroid been tested, but I have just put it down to this pg!

[pasturesnew]

Yes, but that is normal for me, I am usually 100/60 anyway. I do get v dizzy in pregnancy (and in hot weather when not pregnant) and with DS went to be checked up several times for this. This pregnancy I haven't bothered to worry about it, just had a bit of a sit or lie down and been careful standing up, try to drink plenty and so on.

[arolf]

mine has been getting progressively lower at each appointment, was 100/50 at 32 wk appt last week - midwife said she'll maybe start worrying if it gets a huge amount lower, but for now, just to take things easy. As she (and everyone esle) says, it's better than raised blood pressure!

[Gateau]

I had it in my last pg but it hasn't been mentioned so far in this one.
I wasn't given anything as I was told there was no danger with low BP, unlike high BP.

[longwayaway]

Yep, mine's low too. I have to remember to stand up slowly. And I use it as an excuse to take the lift instead of walking up two flights of stairs to my office Really, I feel faint otherwise!

[loveverona]

Hi, I've had this too. Almost always 90/100 over 60/70. Just make should to get enough fluids and good food - if I don't eat regularly it makes me feel very dizzy and shakey, so I now eat something every couple of hours.

[Longtalljosie]

Mine's been typically 100/60, with the lowest being 98/58. No-one seemed the slightest bit concerned. Agree with the others, just stand up slowly and take breaks on the stairs...

[loveverona]

Sorry, 'just make SURE to get enough fluids'!

[MayorNaze]

i had this, plus aneamia. no-one seemed all that bothered about it really. be careful though, you may find you need to sit down very quickly (and publicly).

the upshot of mine was that it did mean that i had to retire from the world of ironing(and, 3 years later and no more pg's later, have yet to re-enter play!)!

[hazeyjane]

I had low bp with last baby, and have had it since (dd2 is 2.3), I passed out when I was at a routine antenatal appointment when it went very low, and they admitted me, but pretty much just said drink lots, eat small frequent meals, don't have hot baths and stand up slowly.

[JemL]

I had low BP, the only problem that I have had from it is that when it has got very low, I have had really scary heart palpitations - heart hammering at what feels like 3 times the normal rate, for a period of up to 25 minutes. It is very scary, but apparently a normal response - it is your body trying to compensate, and raise your blood pressure.
It is not nice to feel dizzy, etc, but medically speaking I've been told it is of no real concern.

[Sparklytwinkletoes]

JemL, interesting thread, I have been feeling exhausted throughout this pregnancy despite not working this time around, and DS is in nursery part time! I was convinced it was due to low iron levels, but its been checked and iron levels are really good.

I have lowish blood pressure normally anyway, but its been exceptionally low this pregnancy - and have been having heart palpitations too - not for as long as yours, in fact much, much shorter, but I had no idea it could be related.

Feels good to understand these two 'mystery' symptoms, I've had a niggling feeling that something was wrong for a while and feel much better having read this.

[RFCMummy]

I have low bp all the time but particulary in pregnancy. Last week it was 45/36 but I feel pretty normal although the midwife thought I should be permanently passed out!

I always think better to be low than high!

[Snowtiger]

I had low BP in my first pg (normally it's middling to high BP) and even though I'm only a few weeks into my second, I'm feeling light headed already. GP said not to worry and just take time standing up!