Should my pregnant wife take medication for low blood pressure?
Sep 09, 2013
My wife is three months pregnant with our second child and has low blood pressure. She is not complaining of any pain other than dizziness. She is not taking any medication.
Dear Doctor,
My wife is three months pregnant with our second child and has low blood pressure. She is not complaining of any pain other than dizziness. She is not taking any medication. What could be the cause and how do we address the problem?
Patrick
Dear Patrick,
Low blood pressure is common among pregnant women, especially in the second trimester. It occurs because of the increased circulation to cater for both the mother and child.
Another factor is hormonal changes, which make the blood vessels dilate, thus lowering a mother’s blood pressure.
The blood pressure begins to fall in early pregnancy and is usually at its lowest in the middle of the second trimester.
It normally rises again in the last three months. Most common symptoms of low blood pressure include dizziness and fainting.
The light-headedness is worst when standing up suddenly or rising from a reclining position. No medication is required except taking a lot of fluids.