Increased blood pressure during pregnancy. Pregnancy and hypertension, high blood pressure during pregnancy, hypertension in pregnant women Normal pressure of a pregnant woman in the second half of pregnancy

The blood pressure of the pregnant woman begins to be measured immediately at the first appointment with the doctor. The doctor will also clarify whether the expectant mother has hypotension or hypertension. After all, each of these deviations from the norm can provoke trouble. How much pressure during early pregnancy would be normal? And what if it is increased or decreased?

Read in this article

Pressure is normal

Each of us at least once measured the pressure. For some, it is almost constantly slightly increased or decreased, but at the same time it does not cause discomfort. As for the expectant 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 values \u200b\u200bin the range of 90-120 / 60-80 mm Hg. Art. respectively. Anything higher or lower is considered a deviation and requires adjustment, as it can 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 for a woman to independently keep a record of pressure, mark its indicators on a piece of paper, and then show it to a doctor. Since in the first trimester all the main organs important for normal life are laid in the fetus, nothing should interfere with the course of pregnancy.

How to measure blood pressure yourself: important rules

The pressure is measured using tonometers. There are several options in pharmacies, 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. There are a few basic rules to follow to get accurate data:

• be sure to conduct an examination at the same time;
• coffee and nicotine can change the data, do not use them at least an hour before measurements (there is no need to talk about the dangers of even a few a day for the health of the mother and child);
• before putting on the cuff, it is better to lie down for a few minutes;
• if you want to go to the toilet "in a small way", then you should first go, and then take measurements;
• talking, spinning and moving while measuring pressure is prohibited;
• if there are doubts about the received data, you can repeat the procedure in a couple of minutes;
• medications affect the indicators, therefore measurements must be taken a few hours after taking them;
• pressure measurement should be done while sitting.

What indicators will indicate low blood pressure

It is hypotension or low blood pressure that occurs most often in early pregnancy. 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 it will be reduced. The changes will be the fault. 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 manifests itself in the following symptoms:

• a woman constantly wants to sleep, as if she does not have enough oxygen;
• dyspnea increases when walking;
• lethargy occurs, it becomes difficult to work, since it is impossible to concentrate;
• tinnitus is sometimes heard;
• a woman may periodically;
• accompany the pregnant woman, 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 have a tendency to hypotension, anemia. The risk zone includes expectant mothers who are on strict diets, experience regular stress, and also cannot eat well due to a 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 slender girls are much more likely to suffer from low blood pressure. But expectant mothers with curvaceous forms are more likely to face increased or hypertension.

What threatens hypotension during pregnancy

Low blood pressure during early pregnancy is not easy discomfort for the expectant mother, it is also a real threat to the baby. Since at first the baby does not yet have a separate circle of blood circulation from the mother, regular, 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 it is to "attack" many pregnant women, we recommend reading the article. From it you will learn what factors become harbingers of an unpleasant phenomenon, what symptoms may indicate its approach, and also how to help yourself if such an unpleasant sign of pregnancy has not spared you either.

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 severe consequences, since the vessels in the placenta can already independently support normal blood circulation. If the pregnant woman suffers from hypotension for almost the entire period, then as a result, placental insufficiency, oxygen starvation of the fetus, difficulties in labor, gestosis may develop. But the worst thing that can happen is a miscarriage triggered by hypotension. Also, severe intrauterine bruises cannot be ruled out 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:

• Getting out of bed abruptly is not for pregnant women. Better to wake up quietly, soak up a little and enjoy the morning. This will save you from bouts of nausea and dizziness. Some have noted that they feel much better if they sleep on high pillows.
• A light snack right in bed is not a whim, but a good habit for toxicosis and hypotension. For this purpose, a small crouton, fruit is suitable.
• If you suddenly have a feeling of dizziness, then lie down 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 place of dislocation and go to the brain, saturating it with sufficient oxygen.
• Compression stockings will also have an effect, which also prevents varicose veins.
• Light exercise will improve your general condition, keep your body toned and increase blood pressure.
• Watch your own, 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, blood will circulate better through the vessels. Pregnant women with hypotension are allowed to consume salt even a little more than it should be (although the measure must be known in everything).
• Raw celery and strawberries are the foods that will raise your blood pressure.
• As for special teas for hypertensive patients, they can be found in the pharmacy (just reading the instructions can save a young mother from taking any medication incorrectly!).
• possible, but rarely, in small quantities, with milk. Since it is possible to increase pressure in the early stages of pregnancy with its help, it is worth considering all the possible consequences.

Any medications can be taken only after consultation with a specialist! Don't listen to anyone! Anything 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 may even develop pathologies.

What pressure is considered high

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 indicators in the range of 90/60 mm Hg before conception. Art., then 120/80 mm Hg. Art. already for her will be high.

Symptoms of high blood pressure during pregnancy are slightly similar to those of low blood pressure, however, they can still be distinguished before measurement:

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

The predecessors of high blood pressure will be:

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

If high blood pressure is detected, the expectant mother will be offered to go to the hospital. Before writing a refusal, you should know about the consequences of such a decision.

What threatens high blood pressure during pregnancy

As well as low, high blood pressure during early pregnancy affects the walls of blood vessels, increases muscle tone. It can also disrupt normal blood circulation in the placenta, as a result of which the child will be under constant threat. From the second trimester, hypertension will lead to the presence of protein in the urine and, what is most unpleasant, gestosis. The latter diagnosis can manifest itself so strongly that you either have to do an early cesarean section, or recommend that the pregnant woman have it 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 on a daily basis.

How to lower blood pressure during pregnancy

The first thing to do when high blood pressure is detected is to see a doctor to identify the underlying problem. All hypertension most often manifests itself as a concomitant disease, and not the main one. Only a specialist can select the appropriate medications to reduce the rates and not harm the child. In general, a pregnant woman must adhere to the following rules:

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

Of course, you shouldn't forget about 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, add optimism to both the mother and the unborn baby.

When registering for pregnancy, the first thing the doctor will do is measure your weight and pressure. Subsequently, each visit to the doctor will be accompanied by these manipulations.

What is it for?

This is due to the fact that high blood pressure during pregnancy can lead to a number of serious complications for both you and your baby.

Why can its indicators increase? How can this threaten? And how to normalize it? Let's consider these issues in more detail.

The reasons

Doctors recommend measuring blood pressure during pregnancy regularly. This is especially true for those women who have had an increase in it before.

For this, a tonometer is used. Some doctors believe that a mechanical device shows more accurate indicators. But at home, it will be much more convenient to use an electronic tonometer.

You can suspect you have high blood pressure by the following signs:

• frequent headaches;
• dizziness;
• the appearance of "flies" before the eyes;
• deterioration of the general condition;
• nausea, which may even end in vomiting;
• sensation of tinnitus;
• redness of the skin (most often individual areas on the face or chest).

Although it is possible that hypertension during pregnancy will not manifest itself in any way and will be detected only during a planned visit to the doctor.

Why is this happening? High blood pressure during pregnancy can be due to the following reasons:

1. Stressful situations;

During this period, your body experiences increased stress, therefore, in case of stress, it simply does not have time to quickly adapt to the situation that has arisen, as a result of which blood pressure indicators increase.

1. Hereditary factor;

If one of your close relatives suffers from hypertension, then it is possible that sooner or later you will also face such a problem. Even if you have never experienced this before, then, with the onset of pregnancy, the body can malfunction.

1. Lack of compensatory forces;

Now your body is working with a vengeance. Therefore, the heart may simply not cope with the fact that a greater volume of blood now passes through it.

1. Diabetes;

This pathology does not lead to hypertension, however, diabetes can become a provoking factor.

1. Smoking of the expectant mother;

It has been proven that nicotine negatively affects the state of the whole organism, but the cardiovascular system is especially defenseless against its action.

1. Lack of physical activity;

If you lead a sedentary lifestyle, then, with the onset of pregnancy, the heart is unprepared for the increased stress that it is now forced to experience.

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1. Obesity or high body weight, including sudden weight gain;

You've probably heard that being overweight has a negative effect on your heart. Therefore, now you need to carefully monitor the weight gain and not allow it to be too large.

1. Kidney pathology;

Doctors have long noted the relationship between the violation in the work of this organ with an increase in blood pressure.

1. Changes in the work of the adrenal glands, thyroid gland, or pituitary gland. In general, any hormonal changes in a woman's body can lead to increased blood pressure.

How does hypertension affect the expectant mother and child?

Why is high blood pressure dangerous during pregnancy and why is it recommended to constantly monitor it?

Increased pressure readings may indicate the development of gestosis. This is a dangerous disease, the insidiousness of which lies in the disruption of the functioning of vital organs. First of all, the cardiovascular system begins to suffer.

• With gestosis, microscopic holes may appear in the walls of blood vessels through which liquid and protein from the plasma penetrate into the tissues, which leads to their edema. They mainly affect the limbs;
• A very dangerous condition can be edema of the placenta, as a result of which the fetus experiences an acute oxygen deficiency;
• The most severe form of gestosis is eclampsia - this is a pathology in which a serious damage to the nervous system occurs, which leads to loss of consciousness or even coma.

High blood pressure in 1 trimester pregnancy may indicate chronic or gestational hypertension.

Gestational hypertension can occur as a reaction to the pregnancy itself. At the same time, at the initial stages, the blood vessels narrow, and the fetus begins to experience a deficiency of oxygen and nutrients.

Chronic hypertension can be caused by various pathological processes in the maternal body. Most often, it appears in response to disruption of the kidneys or organs of the endocrine system.

High blood pressure during pregnancy in the 2nd trimester is the least common and may be associated with the development of gestosis.

Know! In the risk group, first of all, there are women in whose body an infection develops, intoxication occurs, or they are often stressed.

High blood pressure during pregnancy in the 3rd trimester may be due to hereditary factors. Therefore, if you also have this predisposition, you should monitor your condition more carefully.

Important! If elevated blood pressure is observed for a long period of time, then there is a risk of placental abruption.

High blood pressure late in pregnancy can cause premature birth.

During childbirth, hypertension can cause convulsive syndrome, a negative condition that can threaten both mother and baby.

What to do

As you can see, hypertension during pregnancy can be very dangerous.

What to do with high blood pressure during pregnancy? There are several ways to bring the indicators back to normal:

1. Most often, doctors resort to prescribing drugs. At the same time, remember that you cannot prescribe them for yourself on your own, as this can lead to the development of serious complications;
2. Treatment of hypertension during pregnancy is also possible with folk remedies. However, in this case, it is important that the doctor constantly monitors your condition;
3. If the pressure indicators are not greatly exceeded and this condition is observed periodically, then regular walking, changing the diet (excluding fatty, fried, spicy, salty and sweet foods from it) and preventing stressful situations will help reduce them.

As for drug therapy, it should be prescribed by the attending physician. Before that, he will conduct a comprehensive examination, which includes a laboratory study of blood and urine, an electrocardiogram, and in some cases an ultrasound of the heart.

Only after that it will be possible to understand which drug can help you. Usually, doctors prescribe Papazol, Dopegit or Egilok. If the pressure indicators are too high, then Nifedipine is prescribed.

Having decided to use traditional medicine for treatment, be sure to carefully monitor your health.

Attention! Any discomfort that may manifest itself as nausea, indigestion, etc. is the reason for the immediate cancellation of taking such a medication.

It is believed that freshly prepared juices help reduce blood pressure. To do this, you can use:

• beets;
• carrot;
• apple;
• pumpkin;
• cranberries (read the article

The pressure during pregnancy should be checked every day for all 9 months: the numbers highlighted on the tonometer display largely determine the state of the expectant mother and her baby.

Hormonal changes in the first months of pregnancy reduce blood pressure (BP) - causing hypotension. Because of this, the expectant mother feels weakness, drowsiness, dizziness, ringing in the ears, suffocates when walking. The unpleasant sensations are usually worse in the morning.

Some women find out that they are expecting a baby when they are examined for sudden fainting. Doctors consider such an episode to be no less a characteristic sign of pregnancy than an addiction to sour and salty and nausea characteristic of early toxicosis. By the way, against its background, hypotension increases. This is unpleasant for mommy, but extremely dangerous for the baby!

With reduced pressure during pregnancy, blood circulation in the placenta is disrupted - placental insufficiency occurs. The baby, lacking nutrients and oxygen, begins to starve and suffocate. This should not be allowed in any case - that is why it is so important to check the readings of the tonometer from the very beginning of pregnancy!

Your pressure should not fall below 100/60 and exceed 140/90. If this happens, see your doctor!

High blood pressure during pregnancy

In the second half of pregnancy, there is a tendency to high blood pressure. This is partly due to physiological reasons. An additional circle of blood circulation appeared in the body of the future mother, due to which the volume of circulating blood increased by half a liter by weeks 19-20, and by a whole liter by 32-36 weeks!

As a result, the load on the heart has increased: it is forced to increase blood output by 40-50% and contract more often. The pulse, measured in a calm state, now reaches 80-90 beats (the norm is 70), and when the expectant mother is worried or actively moves, it generally jumps over a hundred. Do not worry, this is normal, as is the increase in pressure by 5-15 mm compared to the numbers that were displayed on the tonometer display at the beginning of pregnancy.

Is the difference greater? Watch out! This happens with toxicosis in the second half of pregnancy. Its essence is that the fluid leaves the bloodstream into the tissue: edema occurs, and the pressure drops. Then the organism of the mother-to-be turns on the emergency arterial stimulation system.

But the higher the pressure in the vessels, the more liquid seeps out of them. Trying to normalize it in this way is like carrying water in a sieve: the more you pour, the more it flows out. This is extremely dangerous! The emerging problem must be identified as early as possible, before a vicious circle has formed.

Special pressure control

Future mothers from the risk group must carefully monitor the pressure. It includes those who had miscarriages or complications during a previous pregnancy, as well as women who are overweight, hormonal disorders, hypertension, neurocirculatory dystonia, kidney disease and other internal organs that complicate pregnancy.

In such cases, in addition to daily monitoring of blood pressure at home, the doctor can send the pregnant woman to daily monitoring of blood pressure - hourly measurement with a portable device. It detects sudden jumps in this indicator during the day and night. Such a check is recommended to be done three times: the first time - in the early stages, to reveal a tendency to hypotension, the second - at 24-28 weeks, when the likelihood of gestosis increases, the third - shortly before childbirth, to make sure that everything is normal, there is nothing to worry about !

Is the pressure lower than it should be?

This sometimes happens at night. The expectant mother is sleeping for herself and does not suspect that the pressure has dropped below the permissible level, and the baby is suffocating in her tummy. It is unlikely that anyone would think of measuring their blood pressure at 3 in the morning on their own initiative! So it turns out that such hypotension cannot be tracked otherwise than with the help of monitoring.

It is no less dangerous if a pregnant woman with a tendency to low blood pressure gets agitated in the antenatal clinic, and it jumped. The doctor records her in the category of hypertensive patients and prescribes antihypertensive drugs that reduce the already low blood pressure.

Has the pressure exceeded the norm?

You need to see how long this state lasts during the day and what it is connected with. If, with the total count, the rises in blood pressure last no more than 5-6 hours a day and are explained by physiological reasons (excitement, physical activity, reaction to stress or magnetic storm), everything is in order: there is no need for antihypertensive therapy.

Checking blood pressure during pregnancy

To check the pressure of the expectant mother on a daily basis, a modern electronic tonometer is needed, which measures the pulse and blood pressure in automatic mode, memorizing the indicators.

With old-style devices, firstly, you are worn out, and secondly, without appropriate experience, most likely you will get an incorrect result.

Advice: If you use an electronic tonometer, strictly follow all the instructions. There are compact devices that measure pressure on the wrist and even a finger, from which you can take on the road. But at home it is better to have a standard tonometer designed for the elbow bend: the smaller the artery on which blood pressure is determined, the less accurate the result.

• When buying a tonometer, make sure it is correctly adjusted and tested for accuracy. From time to time check its readings with the results obtained on other devices used by the doctor, neighbor, pharmacist in the pharmacy.
• Keep in mind that one blood pressure monitor is not enough to monitor blood pressure during pregnancy.

You need a bathroom scale to keep track of your weight gain (every pound you gain increases the pressure by one unit) and the ratio of the fluid you drink and the fluid you drink (write everything down!). The difference should not exceed 200-300 ml!

How to measure pressure

The air-inflated cuff compresses the vessels, stopping the movement of blood through them. Then it is slowly lowered. At the moment when the blood pressure in the brachial artery slightly exceeds the pressure in the cuff, the first portion will break through the obstacle and hit the walls of the artery below the "dammed" place, making a characteristic sound (the so-called Korotkov tone), which can be heard with a phonendoscope.

The pressure in the cuff at this time is equal to the systolic (upper). As the air leaves it, more and more portions of blood will begin to overcome the "dam". Eventually, the cuff stops pinching the brachial artery even during diastole.

When the blood flows through it again in a continuous stream, and Korotkov's tones will disappear. In this case, the readings on the tonometer display will correspond to the diastolic pressure. Always measure your blood pressure at the same time, preferably in the morning after sleep and in the evening. Never do this immediately after eating and physical activity - the result will be unreliable.

Do not try to place the tonometer on the sofa or on your lap. Sit on the chair to the right of the table. Place the tonometer cuff on your shoulder and fasten it so that only one finger passes between it and the skin. Is the result not within the norm? Don't panic - check yourself!

Inflated pressure can be obtained on a completely serviceable tonometer if, before measuring, you:

• drank coffee or strong tea. They ate a bar of chocolate, were where it was smoked;
• took breast elixir and other medications based on licorice root, herbal neurostimulants (lemongrass, ginseng and eleutherococcus);
• nervous, "scrolling" unpleasant episodes in my head. They waited a long time for their turn to the doctor;
• they walked at a brisk pace, being afraid of being late for an appointment, carrying a heavy bag, going up the stairs;
• reacted with internal stress to the hospital environment - psychologists call it "white coat syndrome."

Low blood pressure will be if you:

• the cuff was inflated poorly, and it could not completely cut off the blood supply in the brachial artery;
• let the air out of her too quickly;
• put a standard cuff on a too thin arm;
• did not sit, as usual, but lay when your blood pressure was measured.

At reduced, at increased pressure

With increased pressure

• Press with the pad of your right thumb on a point located deep in the occipital fossa (where the spine attaches to the head). After counting to 10, stop exposure. Repeat the manipulation 2 times.
• Divide the back of the neck into 3 equal parts horizontally. Now find 3 paired points on the sides of the spine. Simultaneously act on each pair with the pads of the thumbs of both hands - three consecutive times, each time slowly counting to 10.
• Find the point located on the midline of the abdomen just below the chest (it corresponds to the solar plexus). Press down on it with the index, middle and ring fingers of both hands at the same time, count to 10 and release. Repeat 10 times.
• With your right hand, squeeze hard and at the same time stretch the middle finger of your left hand, then vice versa.
• Worried? Think of the anti-stress point at the center of the inner chin. Massage with your index finger 9 times clockwise and 9 times counterclockwise.

Under reduced pressure

• Act on the points in the middle of the groove between the nose and the upper lip, in the center of the fold between the chin and the lower lip, on the little finger at the root of the nail (immediately behind the periungual roller) from the side of the ring finger, on the index finger, too, at the root of the nail from the side of the middle finger. Finally, knead the tip of each finger in turn.

What lowers blood pressure?

Cranberry mousse

Effectively lowers blood pressure. Take 1/3 cup of cranberries, rinse, squeeze the juice. Pour the cake with a glass of boiling water, leave on fire for 5 minutes, strain. Pour 1 tablespoon into the broth. semolina and cook for 20 minutes, stirring constantly. Then add 3 tbsp. sugar, bring to a boil and cool.

Beat the mass with a mixer until light pink and thick mousse, gradually pouring in the cranberry juice extracted from the refrigerator.

Antihypertensive juices (lowers blood pressure)

Drink a glass of birch sap every day, and also reduce blood pressure by taking ¼ - ½ cup of freshly prepared beetroot juice 2-3 times a day (keep it in an open bowl for 2 hours before drinking) 30 minutes before meals.

Pumpkin broth with honey

Take 200 g of pumpkin, cut into pieces, simmer until soft, fold over a sieve and cool, then add honey.

30.10.2019 17:53:00

Blood pressure gives an idea of \u200b\u200bthe state of human health, it can indicate various pathologies. The pressure in pregnant women is monitored with special attention, since we are talking about the health of two: the mother and the child.

The nature of blood pressure

At each visit to the antenatal clinic, a pregnant woman's blood pressure is measured. It is desirable that a woman knows his norm in everyday life. This indicator is the starting point for measuring blood pressure during pregnancy.

If a diagnosis of low (hypotension) or high blood pressure (hypertension) was made before pregnancy, this can provoke some unpleasant moments in the process of gestation. The frequency of measurements is a controversial issue: some experts believe that it is necessary to take measurements on a daily basis, others argue that this is not necessary: \u200b\u200bif you feel well and there is no indication for that, it is enough to measure the pressure just once a week.

The indicator is not static, it is influenced by the following factors:

• physical activity;
• psycho-emotional background;
• time of day;
• the process of eating;
• the use of various tonic drinks and food;
• taking medication.

Composite BP indicator. Parts (numbers) indicate the pressure at the time of maximum contraction and maximum relaxation of the heart muscle, respectively. These values \u200b\u200bare called systolic (upper) and diastolic (lower). The unit of measurement is mm Hg. - millimeters of mercury.

Blood pressure norms

90-120 / 60-80 mm Hg - normal pressure of an adult. Minor and short-term deviations are not considered pathological conditions. Higher or significantly lower values \u200b\u200bare abnormal and require treatment. It is necessary to take into account the age and physique of the person.

During pregnancy, the blood pressure rate is in the range from 90/60 to 140/90.

Fluctuations by 10 mm Hg absolutely permissible.

Let's take an example. Suppose a woman's normal blood pressure before pregnancy was 120/75 mm Hg. Art. In this case, all fluctuations in the upper pressure in the range from 110 to 130, and the lower from 65 to 85 can be considered the norm, while the pregnant woman feels well.

An important indicator is the difference between the upper and lower indicators. Its norm is 30-50 mm Hg. Art.

Measurement methods and rules

Blood pressure monitors are ideal for monitoring blood pressure at home. Simple, easy-to-use, additionally measure the pulse, note arrhythmic failures with the latest generation devices - electronic. They are quite simple to use, contain detailed operating instructions, which must be carefully read. The device stores the measurement results, which must be recorded and shown to the doctor.

Observance of some rules will help to obtain reliable data:

1. examination at approximately the same time;
2. drinking energy and caffeinated beverages can alter data;
3. it is better to lie down for 5 minutes, sit quietly and not be nervous;
4. measurement must be carried out with an empty bladder;
5. talking, laughing, moving during measurement is prohibited;
6. the use of medicines is recommended a few hours before measurements;
7. measurements are taken in a sitting position.

If you have any doubts about the correctness of the measurements, you must repeat the procedure after 5 minutes.

Expectant mothers who have previously had miscarriages or complications from past pregnancies should be especially careful. Overweight, diseases of the endocrine, cardiovascular, urinary systems are additional risk factors.

If necessary, conduct round-the-clock monitoring of pressure. A special compact device makes measurements every hour, which will help to identify sudden pressure surges throughout the entire time of one day. The procedure is carried out three times: in each trimester.

Monitoring is very important. The jump in pressure change can occur at night. A sharp drop in pressure is unfavorable for the fetus: hypoxia occurs.

Since nighttime measurements are not entirely convenient, this procedure is the only way to detect such surges. A dangerous situation is when a pregnant woman with hypotension gets agitated. Her blood pressure was measured and referred to a number of hypertensive patients, prescribed drugs to lower her already low blood pressure.

It is very important to register before 12 weeks of pregnancy. It is this period that is important: in the 1st trimester, there is a sharp change in the hormonal background of the female body, the fetus develops very quickly, the process of laying and development of all organs and systems occurs. To do this, the doctor needs to know all the features of a woman's blood pressure in order to constantly monitor and compare these indicators with each other in the 2nd and 3rd trimester.

Advice! There are compact blood pressure monitors that measure pressure on the wrist or finger, which is very convenient if you need to take it with you on a trip or you are far from home. For regular measurements, it is better to use a standard tonometer that measures the pulsation at the elbow. The thinner the artery on which the measurement is made, the more accurate the result.

Important concomitant indicators are constant control of weight gain and control of the ratio of consumed and excreted fluid (the maximum difference is 200-300 ml.).

Hypotension during pregnancy

A decrease in pressure at the very beginning of pregnancy is noted in most. This is due to an increase in progesterone levels. The walls of the uterus and blood vessels are relaxed, dilated, which reduces pressure.

Signs of low blood pressure during pregnancy:

1. sleepy state, desire to sleep;
2. increased shortness of breath;
3. lethargy, decreased performance, low concentration of attention;
4. sometimes there is auditory interference;
5. loss of consciousness is possible;
6. headaches;
7. dizziness.

The risk group consists of pregnant women with vegetative-vascular dystonia, women with hypotension or anemia, those who follow a strict diet, are in constant stress, and eat poorly. The pressure also decreases against the background of general dehydration of the body due to severe toxicosis, pathologies, a sedentary lifestyle, low body weight contributes to the development of low blood pressure.

Why is hypotension dangerous during pregnancy

At the very beginning of pregnancy, the mother and the child have a common circulation, therefore regular hypoxia can lead to a delay in fetal development. Toxicosis and vomiting are more pronounced.

Hypotension in the second and third trimesters is very dangerous. There is already a separate circle of blood circulation, the vessels of the placenta are able to regulate blood flow, but there is a risk of developing placental insufficiency - the most common cause of miscarriages, fetal hypoxia, violations of the birth process, gestosis. Constant dizziness and fainting carry the threat of bruises and trauma.

Preventive measures

There are some simple guidelines for preventing hypertension. The very first and necessary condition is a sufficient amount of sleep and rest. At least 10 hours a day should be allocated for rest. Daytime sleep helps to restore strength. You should not get out of bed abruptly, you need to lie down a little, stretch and only then get up smoothly and slowly. Sleeping on high pillows and a light snack right in bed helps. Fruit or cookies work well for this. If you still feel dizzy, you need to lie down, raise your legs up for 5 minutes. Blood enters the brain, saturates it with oxygen.

With hypotension, it is not recommended to take hot baths, stay in stuffy rooms. Be sure to eat berries, fruits and vegetables. It is believed that lemon, carrots, beef liver, butter, caviar are good for raising blood pressure. A piece of pickled cucumber, strong black or green tea, or a small amount of plain table salt will help.

Light physical activity improves the general condition of the body, will help maintain muscle tone and increase blood pressure. Compression stockings as a prophylactic agent for varicose veins are useful for hypotension. You can have a short acupressure session. For example, dots in the middle of the area above and below the lips. Massage the little finger at the base of the nail plate. The procedure helps to slightly increase the pressure. At the end of the procedure, stretch the tips of all fingers of both hands. Any medication should be taken only as directed by a doctor: not all medications are suitable for pregnant women.

Hypertension in pregnant women

From the end of the 3rd month of pregnancy, the second circle of blood circulation appears - the placental. After 30 weeks, the volume of circulating blood will increase by 1 liter. There is a tendency to increase blood pressure. The release of blood increases 2 times. The heart beats faster. 80-90 beats per minute - normal heart rate at rest. There is no reason to worry: this is an absolute norm, as well as an increase in pressure of 5-15 mm compared to the first trimester.

With the penetration of fluid into the tissues, edema occurs, the pressure decreases. Self-regulation of the arterial system is turned on.

After 4 months, blood pressure naturally rises, so it becomes impossible to maintain a habitual lifestyle. The water-salt regime of the pregnant woman is being reviewed. Limiting the consumption of kitchen salt will serve as an excellent prevention for edema and increased blood pressure, prevent the development of preeclampsia, placental abruption and premature pregnancy.

Particular attention is paid to pregnant women who are absolutely confident in the constancy of their low blood pressure. They may simply not notice a slight increase and take it lightly. It is important to systematically monitor the blood pressure indicator. And it is better if it will be controlled by any member of the family.

Puffiness, excess weight gain are signs that require treatment, first of all, a reduction in salt in the diet. In some cases, outpatient treatment is powerless. Hospitalization is possible.

Hypertension manifestations

Typical signs of high blood pressure are:

1. periodic headaches of varying intensity;
2. blurred vision, flies before the eyes;
3. recurring noise and ringing in the ears;
4. increased sweating;
5. tachycardia.

A slight increase in pressure in the second and third trimesters is quite natural. Women with hypertension, diseases of the endocrine, nervous, circulatory systems are at risk. If at least once a pregnant woman has been diagnosed with high blood pressure, this is a reason for examination and its more frequent measurement for control.

The danger of hypertension during pregnancy

If a violation of the upward pressure norm is revealed more than once, then the expectant mother will be offered hospitalization. In the early stages, increased pressure affects the walls of blood vessels, increases muscle tone. Blood flow in the placenta is disturbed, the threat of termination of pregnancy increases. Hypertension leads to edema, the presence of protein in the urine, and, most dangerous, gestosis, which threatens the mother and child. Therefore, a possible outcome of this condition may be a premature planned cesarean section, or an abortion at a later date in order to save a woman's life.

In order to prevent such conditions, a woman who suffered from hypertension before pregnancy, experienced a miscarriage or premature birth due to high blood pressure, must independently measure the pressure several times a day.

Daily monitoring of blood pressure is carried out. If the pressure rises, medical attention is needed. Medication is prescribed only by qualified specialists. It often happens that hypertension is just a symptom of another disease, so it is not the symptom that should be treated, but the cause.

Prevention of increased blood pressure

It is enough to adhere to the following simple rules to keep blood pressure in the norm:

• eat enough, but a small amount of table salt;
• rejection of fatty foods and the inclusion of fresh vegetables and fruits in the diet;
• control weight gain;
• feasible physical activity is needed;
• walks in the open air;
• do sports that are allowed.

During this period of pregnancy, heavy loads, regular stress will only provoke the constant development of deviations.

Attention! A timely visit to the doctor often allows starting treatment on time and avoiding a large number of negative consequences.

Positive emotions, enough rest will help to avoid any health problems. If an increase during daily monitoring is recorded no more than 5 hours during the day and is explained by simple physiological reasons, for example, movements, performing any actions, reactions to climatic and meteophysical indicators, stressful situations, then there is no need for pressure reduction therapy.

How to lower blood pressure at home

At home, you can make cranberry juice. 100-200 g of berries, rinse well, squeeze out the juice. Pour boiling water over the rest. Boil for a few minutes, drain. Gently add 1 tbsp. semolina and cook for 20 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally. Gradually add 3 tbsp. l. sugar and bring to a boil, then cool and beat with a mixer. A light pink color indicates readiness. Add cranberry juice.

Pumpkin broth is very effective. The vegetable is cut into small pieces and boiled over low heat until soft. Strain and cool. Stir in a little honey.

For prevention, you should exclude tea, coffee, chocolate, very fatty foods and reduce salt intake. Lingonberries, viburnum, chokeberry, white mistletoe, hawthorn, rose hips are also effective against high blood pressure. Green tea and helps great.

Advice! You should be careful with hibiscus. A hot drink increases blood pressure, a cold drink has a lowering effect.

Acupressure massage will reduce blood pressure:

1. the occipital cavity is located at the junction of the head and spine. By pressing on this fossa with the pad of your thumb. Repeat 2 times for 10 seconds;
2. on the line under the sternum in the middle (roughly coinciding with the area of \u200b\u200bthe solar plexus) there is a point that is pressed by the three middle fingers of both hands. Repeat 10 times for 10 seconds;
3. squeeze the middle finger and stretch it with the other hand. Repeat the manipulations by changing hands.

Always remember about prevention and a healthy lifestyle - this is the main key to a happy motherhood. Constant monitoring of pressure in pregnant women allows you to timely identify deviations. Timely started treatment will help not only get rid of the disease, but also face minimal consequences. It is important to remember that a little life is in your hands!

During the period of expectation of a child, the female body becomes very vulnerable, long-standing diseases become aggravated, previously unknown sensations appear, sometimes not always pleasant.

Quite often, one of the symptoms of the development of pathologies during pregnancy is high blood pressure. Therefore, during examinations, obstetricians-gynecologists control the pressure of the expectant mother every time.

Normal pressure during pregnancy, in which the heart and blood vessels perform their functions without overloading, are indicators:

• 110-120 mm. rt. Art. for upper (heart) pressure - diastolic;
• 70-80 mm. rt. Art. for the lower (vascular) - systolic.

For chronic hypotensive patients, these limits may be lower: 90/60 mm Hg. Art.

It is important that a woman, registering for pregnancy in a medical institution, knows the "working" values \u200b\u200bof her pressure.

Indeed, often (as, for example, in hypotensive patients), high blood pressure is ascertained, based on an increase in values: more than 30 mm. rt. Art. for the upper indicator and 15 mm Hg. Art. for the lower one, it means that the blood pressure has risen beyond the permissible level.

Of course, a one-time increase in pressure for some reason is not a reason for the diagnosis of "hypertension". But if an increased level is recorded at least twice in a row, then this is already a reason for concern.

Why does the pressure rise?

The factors contributing to the appearance of high blood pressure during pregnancy differ little from the causes of hypertensive conditions in the "non-pregnant" period:

• (obesity);
• bad habits (alcohol, smoking);
• chronic diseases of internal organs, which are accompanied by high blood pressure;
• hereditary predisposition;
• hypertension, as an independent disease (in the absence of endocrine disorders, diseases of internal organs).

Since the period of bearing a child for the female body is a period of increased stress load, then, with a known predisposition, problems with pressure in the expectant mother are quite expected.

Moreover, if earlier the expectant mother had already suffered from high blood pressure (including during the previous pregnancy), then in the vast majority of cases (about 80%) during the next pregnancy, high blood pressure is inevitable.

However, it also happens that a jump in intracranial pressure in a woman was first noted precisely during the current pregnancy. This could be due to:

• ... Then hypertension is one of the symptoms of the triad of this pathology (along with proteinuria and).
• Gestational arterial hypertension, which is not combined with other symptoms of gestosis. It occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy and, as a rule, heals itself after childbirth.

The insidiousness of hypertension lies in the fact that the initial stages of it may easily not be recognized.

This is especially true for expectant mothers, for whom high blood pressure is familiar.

The body has adapted to this state and is in no hurry to respond to it. Therefore, at each scheduled examination by an obstetrician-gynecologist, a woman is monitored with a tonometer.

With a mild degree of hypertension, its signs may be mild:

• slight, dizziness;
• rapid pulse;
• excessive sweating;
• bright "blush" on the cheeks;
• anxiety.

The severity of these symptoms progresses with a further increase in pressure. Added to them:

• dyspnea;
• areas of redness on the skin all over the body;
• "tinnitus;
• weakness;
• attacks of nausea, vomiting;
• "Flies", "fog" before the eyes.

Pain in the left sternum, insomnia, excessive nervousness, which are so easy to mistake for the characteristics of a "pregnant" organism, may appear.

Perhaps this is true, but the doctor must confirm or deny the suspicions.

Dangerous consequences of high blood pressure during pregnancy

Of course, high blood pressure is a pathology and requires immediate correction.

Careful monitoring of blood pressure values, which are carried out by specialists, is caused by the likelihood of consequences dangerous for the mother and child.

1. High blood pressure in pregnant women is a "response" to the narrowing of blood vessels, including in the uterus and placenta. This leads to obstruction of blood circulation in the "uterus-placenta-fetus" system, and, consequently, to. Prolonged hypoxia is the reason for the delay in the intrauterine development of the baby.
2. , which also develops due to vasospasm, can cause spontaneous abortion.
3. Due to the increased blood pressure in the bed between the uterus and the placenta, it can occur, which will lead to insufficient nutrition of the fetus, and, depending on the extent of detachment, can cause it.
4. Long-term hypertension can cause functional insufficiency of the vital organs of a woman, which poses a danger to the health and life of the mother and her unborn baby.
5. Severe hypertension, as a manifestation of preeclampsia, can lead to the development of complications that are dangerous for the parent and her unborn child - preeclampsia and eclampsia.
6. A large spike in pressure, especially during labor, can cause retinal detachment (and subsequent blindness) or even stroke.

Do you need hospitalization?

Since hypertension is an extremely dangerous phenomenon for a pregnant woman, it is unwise to refuse the proposed hospitalization. In addition, it is very likely that with a favorable prognosis, the period spent in the hospital will be short.

If hypertension was listed in the woman's medical history even before registration for pregnancy, a referral for hospitalization will be issued at the very first appointment with an obstetrician-gynecologist.

The hospital will determine the degree of hypertension, predict the risk of possible complications for the woman's health, and select the methods of therapy.

At the initial detection of hypertension during pregnancy, hospitalization is also indicated to find the causes that caused the increase in pressure.

If an increase in indicators occurred in the second trimester, it is important to exclude the development of gestosis or diagnose it in a timely manner.

If the degree of hypertension is mild, the pressure is stable and does not adversely affect the well-being of the expectant mother, then the next hospitalization according to the plan will follow at the beginning of the third trimester, since the likelihood of a crisis increases during this period.

At 38-39 weeks of pregnancy, the expectant mother with high blood pressure moves to the hospital until the very birth.

During this time, she will undergo an examination in order to clarify her condition and choose a method of delivery, preparatory procedures.

In the event of an exacerbation of a hypertensive condition in a woman, an appointment to a hospital is mandatory. This is necessary to determine the factors that caused the exacerbation of hypertension and the appointment of appropriate treatment.

How to lower blood pressure during pregnancy

Depending on the causes of arterial hypertension, the doctor chooses the tactics of further pregnancy management and methods of therapy aimed at normalizing blood pressure.

As a rule, a combination of drug and non-drug therapy is used.

Non-drug method

The non-drug method consists in limiting physical and social load, namely:

• refusal to participate in stressful situations.
• creating a comfortable psychological environment.
• exclusion of excessive physical efforts, therapeutic exercises, swimming at a calm pace are allowed.
• Compliance with sleep and rest.

In addition, it is important to adhere to some nutritional principles aimed at:

• correction of potassium-sodium metabolism (to prevent fluid retention in the body);
• prevention of further excessive weight gain (if overweight).
• To improve water metabolism in the body, you must:
• limit or eliminate completely the use of table salt with food, as a source of sodium, leading to fluid retention in tissues;
• include in the diet foods rich in potassium, which reduces vascular tone and magnesium, which also has a mild diuretic property.

To prevent excessive weight gain, you should:

• limit the intake of fats to 40 g per day, giving preference to vegetable fats;
• to minimize the presence of simple carbohydrates in the diet: sugars, refined foods, delicacies;
• adjust the food intake towards fractional nutrition.

Folk ways

Among the non-drug methods of dealing with high blood pressure, alternative methods have found their place:

• An equal amount of rose hips, hawthorns, red viburnum, linden flowers, calendula, blueberry and heather shoots and motherwort grass, chop and mix. Separate 2 tbsp. l. , pour them with 2 cups of boiling water, darken for 15 minutes. in a water bath and insist at room temperature. Drink 100 g of the strained mixture with honey after meals 3-4 times a day. The duration of the course is 1.5 months.
• Mix half a glass of cranberry juice with the same amount of honey. Take 1 tsp. 3 times a day. The course of treatment is 14 days.
• Mix an equal amount of crushed valerian root, dried grass, heather shoots and viburnum flowers. Pour 2 cups boiling water over 2 tbsp. l. mixture and insist in a thermos for 2 hours. Sweeten the warm strained infusion with honey and take ¼ cup 4 times a day. The course of admission is 1-1.5 months.

Before using herbal remedies, you should get approval from the doctor who monitors the pregnancy to rule out possible contraindications.

Medication method

With a slight increase in pressure, phytopreparations that have a calming, light sedative effect, based on motherwort, valerian, lemon balm, mint, etc., will be sufficient.

With persistent hypertension, it becomes necessary to use more serious pharmacological agents.

The most common drug, due to its availability and safety, along with its effectiveness, is methyldopa (Dopegit).

The drug for pressure is approved for use from the very early stages of pregnancy. Methyldopa does not adversely affect the placental circulation, does not pose a threat to the intrauterine development of the fetus, and also does not cause adverse manifestations for a born child in the future.

The effect of the substance occurs within 2-6 hours and is manifested:

• in a relaxing effect on the central nervous system;
• in suppressing the activity of hormones that cause an increase in pressure;
• in suppressing the activity of an enzyme in blood plasma (renin), which is able to affect the level of blood pressure and sodium metabolism;
• in the removal of vascular hypertonia;
• in general sedative effect.

With pressure in late pregnancy, when protein is detected in urine analysis and taking into account all possible risks to the fetus, β-blockers are prescribed.

As a medicine for blood pressure, pregnant women are often prescribed cardioselective β-blockers, because they have fewer side effects than non-selective ones.

In the fight against high blood pressure, the effect they have directly on cardiac activity is important:

• the frequency and strength of heart contractions decreases;
• the body's susceptibility to stress decreases;
• the activity of renin decreases;
• the conductivity in the AV node decreases to the desired level, normalizing the contractile-conducting activity of the cardiac departments;
• the oxygen demand of the heart muscle is normalized (anti-ischemic effect);
• the risk of cardiac arrhythmias is reduced.

Popular β-blockers prescribed for pregnant women help to reduce pressure during pregnancy, these are: atenolol, metaprotolol, labetalol, nebivolol, bisoprolol.

Currently, bisoprolol is more preferable because of its ease of use (1 tablet per day), reliable round-the-clock action, the possibility of using it in diabetics and less pronounced, in comparison with other drugs, "withdrawal syndrome".

Analogous to β-blockers in terms of effectiveness, calcium antagonists or calcium channel blockers.

But they act not on the nervous system, but on the channels in the cardiac and vascular muscles, through which calcium enters the muscle cells.

The strength of muscle contraction depends on the calcium concentration in its cells. The activation of calcium channels occurs under the influence of adrenaline, norepinephrine. The blockade of the calcium-carrying channels prevents the spasm of the muscles of the heart and blood vessels.

By the direction of the impact of calcium antagonists, it can be conditionally divided into groups:

• acting only on smooth vascular muscles (nifedipine, normodipine, amlodipine, etc.) and therefore are recommended for use simultaneously with β-blockers;
• acting on the muscles and heart and blood vessels (verapamil) and therefore prohibited for use simultaneously with β-blockers.

Taking calcium antagonists during pregnancy does not exclude a possible detrimental effect on the fetus and is often accompanied by unpleasant side effects.

Therefore, they are prescribed in the case when it is impossible to take other groups of antihypertensive drugs.

Measures to prevent high blood pressure during pregnancy

Blood pressure in a woman during pregnancy almost inevitably rises due to an increase in the volume of circulating blood with an increase in pregnancy.

Therefore, a slight increase in blood pressure in some pregnant women may be a physiological norm.

If the pressure indicators are increased already in the early stages of pregnancy, or "surges" of pressure occurred earlier, she should adjust her lifestyle and diet to prevent hypertension.

Namely:

• do not limit the duration of sleep and rest;
• avoid excessive physical activity, preferring feasible loads at a calm pace;
• avoid stressful situations;
• control weight gain during pregnancy (no more than 15 kg.);
• adjust the diet and menu, making food intake fractional and rejecting foods that are undesirable for hypertension;
• regularly monitor the values \u200b\u200bof your blood pressure (daily, at least twice a day) on both the right and left hands.

If it happened so, at the next appointment with the doctor or with an independent measurement, mommy found that the pressure exceeded the norm, then first of all, the panic should be stopped, otherwise the indicators will rise even higher.

The most reasonable thing in such a situation is not to self-medicate, but to trust qualified specialists and then the pregnancy and the birth of the baby will go well.