Low blood pressure pregnancy

[Lunafreja]

I’ve had low blood pressure throughout my life (currently 31), it was only really a problem in my teens but eased as I became older.

now I’m pregnant (8+3 first time) my blood pressure has dipped to an average rage of 80-85/50-55 which his making me even more exhausted and dizzy at times.

i do sometimes experience dips which is when I worry, looking at long term birthing options having low blood pressure makes me fearful of pain killers which can lower my pressure even more, but the thought of giving birth with no pain management also gives me anxiety.

Is there anyone who can share their experience of managing low blood pressure during pregnancy and what labour was like?

Have you spoken to a midwife or doctor about this? I have high blood pressure but it dropped dangerously low when I was pregnant. My medication changed and I was given a blood pressure machine from the hospital which I would text the results in and be told next steps. The midwives and the cardiologist were great at keeping track, keeping me updated on plans and my birth was absolutely fine as I was monitored throughout the pregnancy.
If you have a midwife I would raise this quite quickly, if not yet then I’d contact your gp.

This is something to discuss with your midwife at booking

However I wouldn't be concerned about pain relief in labour. Firstly if you want an epidural you should be having a conversation with the anaesthetist re:risks/benefits before they start. You could mention it then so they can be prepared should it cause a BP crash. When you have an epidural a cannula is inserted beforehand and fluids started before the epi dose is given. This can help mitigate a BP crash. You could ask your midwife to refer you to the anaesthetist in pregnancy so you can discuss this pre-labour and something recorded in your notes.

Some women's BP rises in late pregnancy so this might not be as much of a issue as it is now

Thanks both @Hiddenvoice and @WonkyBricks I raised this in my booking appointment but because my history of low blood pressure she advised she wasn’t concerned as it’s low but my normal is quite low so unless I’m vomiting and fainting it should be fine. But that to me sounds like it’s not a problem until it’s too late? My booking appt lasted almost 2 hrs and she wasn’t even able to draw blood / when she did it would stop so referred me to the hospital to get my blood done. I feel mean saying it wasn’t a great first impression.

@WonkyBricks I’ll take up your advice with pushing to speak with the anaesthetist, it’s so hard to know (at this stage anyways) where I have the right or route to speak with anyone outside my midwife.

in the meantime I do have a blood pressure machine and track daily, I think I’m realising today I usually drink around 2ltrs of water a day which I think adjusting to being pregnant wasn’t enough and having around 2.5-3ltrs is helping. But obviously just anxious after my first appt.

Thanks both!

I always experienced this early in pregnancy. It resolved itself after a few weeks.

You always have the right to ask more/ask for an alternative opinion/care giver/for a referral. AIMS are a good resource re: your rights in pregnancy.

Have you had a scan yet? I would maybe wait until 16 weeks to see if it stabilises and bring it up again then ☺️