Does Gestational Hypertension Affect The Fetus?

Hypotension is a common condition during pregnancy. This usually does not cause significant problems and the blood pressure will return to pre-pregnancy level after delivery. However, in some cases, severe hypotension can be life-threatening for mothers and babies. Let’s learn more about this condition, mothers!

► What is hypotension? A normal blood pressure reading fluctuates approximately 120/80 mmHg (120 mmHg – systolic pressure and 80 mmHg – diastolic pressure). Expectant mothers are defined as hypotension when the systolic and diastolic pressures are lower than 90 mmHg and 60 mmHg, respectively.​

► Signs and symptoms of gestational hypotension:

• Vertigo;
• Dizziness;
• Fainting;
• Nausea;
• Fatigue;
• Blurred vision;
• Abnormal thirsty;
• Skin becomes rough,
• pale or cold;
• Tachypnea or dyspnea;
• Loss of concentration

► Causes of gestational hypotension:

Changes that happen in the body during pregnancy can impact on maternal blood pressure which normally reduces in the initial 24 weeks of pregnancy. This can be originated from the dilatation of blood vessels flowing to the uterus. Other temporary reasons include standing up suddenly or spending too long in the hot tub.

Additionally, there are other factors cause gestational hypotension including: dehydration, anemia, internal hemorrhage, prolonged bedrest, some medications, heart disease, endocrine disorders, nephrotic disorders, infection, nutritional deficiency, allergy.

► Does gestational hypotension affect the fetus?

Fainting fall is one of the risk of hypotension that mothers-to-be possibly face when standing up suddenly from sitting or lying position. Severe hypotension can result in shock or visceral lesions which reduces blood flow to the fetus leading to several problems such as stillbirth, light-for-date infants.

Home care for mothers with gestational hypotension:

Avoid standing suddenly from sitting or lying position.

Avoid long- standing. Mini-meals throughout the day.

No extremely hot bath or shower.

Plenty of water.

Dress loose clothes.

Maintain a healthy diet and adequate nutrient supplement.

In the AIH Clinic, physicians and nutritionists will monitor and provide specific advices for individual parturient in order to create the best care plans for parturients and babies.

——————–

For checkup and consultation at AIH:

Hotline: (028) 3910 9888

Website: www.aih.com.vn

Address: 79 Dien Bien Phu  street, Dakao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.