Low blood pressure dizzy 3rd trimester

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Has anyone suffered from low blood pressure in pregnancy particularly 3rd trimester and have any tips?

I am 33 weeks and quite often feel like I am going to black out.
The last few times I have tested it, it has been 90/53 then today 88/58. Resting heart rate getting up to 130 fairly regularly.
I am drinking lots of water which is all the midwife said that can be done.
The dizziness makes me feel very nauseous too and therefore my diet is terrible so feeling guilty about that too!

If anyone has any tips, also if anyone knows if there is any danger involved apart from the obvious fainting! Thanks.

How much water are you drinking?

I have a non pregnancy related condition called POTS which presents with dropping BP and high heart rate. Mine has always been on the low side and I struggled during pregnancy. I have to drink rehydration solution rather than water sometimes to manage my BP because I pass urine too frequently otherwise, but this is under medical advice as I have to drink 3 litres and have extra salt in my diet. I also have class 2 medical grade compression socks/tights on prescription.

That BP is really very low and I think you need to see a GP for a check up. You can try class 1 compression stockings or tights over the counter, but they may not provide enough compression.

I had exactly the same, it sucks. You need to eat more salt if you’re drinking more water. When you feel a dizzy spell coming have some salted peanuts or something and that’ll help. My main issue was nearly fainting when I stood from sitting or squatting - I had a 3 year old as well. So slow changes of position and holding onto something as well.

Are your iron levels okay? They should have checked in your 28 weeks bloods.

@AnneLovesGilbert thanks I didn't know about the salt so will try that! And yes should have mentioned I do have low iron - ferritin was 8 and I have been on iron tablets for a week, but they don't seem to be affecting the blood pressure at the moment.
I have a 3 year old too so not easy to lie down for long!

@Choconuttolata
Sorry to hear you suffer with it. Thanks for the advice. I drink around 3 litres a day. With herbal teas on top of that. Will call the GP and check but the midwife seemed to indicate not much can be done about it.

How much water do you think is a lot?

Needs to be 3litres and most of it in the morning.

Plus increasing the salt in your diet and wearing support tights.

Also I forgot to mention it is always worse after eating, what I find helps is eating small meals regularly rather than large meals and elevating my legs after eating.

You may find some of the POTS management advice helpful, there is a pregnancy section too. This is a link to measures to prevent fainting, but some of the other sections might be of interest.

www.potsuk.org/managingpots/counter-manoeuvres/

I had this in my first pregnancy. It’s not been as bad this time (I’m currently 31 weeks). Salt and staying hydrated were the only coping mechanisms I really found. That, and not rushing around too much.

you start to get to recognise the signs that your BP is dropping after a while, so when that happens try sitting down and eating something salty :)

Thanks all, will try the salt. Definitely drinking enough water so hopefully the salt helps. 🤞