Blood Pressure During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time of profound changes—hormonal, emotional, and physical. Among the most important things your doctor monitors during this period is blood pressure. While mild changes are normal, consistently high or low readings can indicate a problem that needs attention.

This guide covers everything you need to know about blood pressure during pregnancy, including what's normal, what's not, and how to stay healthy.

What is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps. It’s measured using two numbers:

●     Systolic pressure: The top number, which measures pressure when the heart beats.

●     Diastolic pressure: The bottom number, which measures pressure when the heart rests between beats.

For example, a normal reading might look like 120/80 mmHg.

What’s Considered Normal in Pregnancy?

A normal blood pressure during pregnancy is less than 120/80 mmHg. It’s common for blood pressure to drop slightly in the first and second trimesters due to hormonal changes but return to normal in the third trimester.

What If Blood Pressure Gets Too High?

High blood pressure during pregnancy can lead to serious complications. There are a few different conditions to know:

1. Gestational Hypertension

●     Develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy

●     No protein in urine

●     Usually resolves after delivery

2. Chronic Hypertension

●     Present before pregnancy or before 20 weeks

●     May require medication during pregnancy

3. Preeclampsia

●     High blood pressure with protein in urine or signs of organ damage

●     Can be dangerous for both mother and baby

●     Requires close monitoring and possible early delivery

Symptoms to Watch For

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately:

●     Severe headaches

●     Blurred vision or sensitivity to light

●     Swelling in face or hands

●     Sudden weight gain

●     Upper abdominal pain

●     Shortness of breath

Sometimes, high blood pressure has no symptoms—which is why regular prenatal visits are so important.

What Causes High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy?

While exact causes aren’t always known, risk factors include:

●     First-time pregnancy

●     Obesity or being overweight

●     Family history of hypertension or preeclampsia

●     Age over 35

●     Multiple gestation (twins, triplets)

●     Pre-existing conditions like diabetes or kidney disease

How is It Managed?

Depending on the diagnosis and severity, your doctor may recommend:

●     Frequent blood pressure checks

●     Urine tests to monitor protein levels

●     Blood tests to assess kidney and liver function

●     Medications to control pressure if needed

●     Bed rest or hospitalization in severe cases

If preeclampsia becomes severe, early delivery may be the safest option.

Can Low Blood Pressure Be a Problem?

Yes, low blood pressure (hypotension) can also occur, especially early in pregnancy. It may cause:

●     Dizziness

●     Fainting

●     Fatigue

●     Nausea

Usually, it's not harmful but should still be reported.

Tips to Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure

●     Eat a balanced, low-sodium diet

●     Stay hydrated

●     Get gentle exercise (with doctor’s approval)

●     Avoid stress and get plenty of rest

●     Keep all prenatal appointments

Blood pressure is a vital sign—for a reason. When monitored and managed well, most women with blood pressure concerns go on to have healthy pregnancies and deliveries. Awareness is the first step toward safety.

Whether you’re facing a diagnosis or just being cautious, trust in your medical care, listen to your body, and don’t skip your checkups.