Anyone struggling w/ low BP? (kinda long)

blueeyedgirl27 · June 2012

Hi ladies,

I think this is the first time I've written my own thread since my Intro 7 weeks ago, I'm a 2nd time mom so usually I'm giving advice lol. First off let me say that I pretty much had a "textbook pregnancy" the first time around. Aside from morning sickness I felt pretty great throughout the pregnancy (except, of course, when DD dropped toward the end then lightning crotch kicked in). This time, morning sickness was short-lived (yay!) and I'm gaining instead of losing weight.

Every pregnancy is different, but man, I feel like I'm being punished for having it easy the first time! I had an US at 8w6d because I had bright red bleeding and cramping over Memorial Day weekend. Luckily the baby looked great on US, but I've spotted off and on ever since. I was told that's normal, so ok I'll live with it.

Well, this past Saturday I was feeling a little off. Not quite sick, but very weak and a little lightheaded. So I took my blood pressure (I'm a nurse so have the equipment) and it was 90/48. Kinda freaked me out a bit, but I figured I was dehydrated so I spent the rest of the day on the couch and increased my water intake thinking I was dehydrated. Next day I felt worse, and BP was 88/46. Yikes! Called the doc on call and I was told it was normal and I'll "grow out of it." I don't work in OB but I'm aware that increasing blood volume causes a slight dip in BP through the 24th week or so, so I figured the doc was right and I'll deal.

Monday I felt fine. Yesterday on my way to work I actually had to pull over and recline my seat because I nearly passed out! Wasn't in a position to check my BP but I felt my carotid pulse and it was very thready (weak). Called the doc again and I was told AGAIN it was common and nothing I can do about it. I have my 12-week checkup today and am ready to go in b!tching. I've had patients on vasopressors for BP that low, so why's it okay for a PG woman to just "deal with it?"

Thanks for letting me vent, sorry so long. I just can't keep randomly having to call off work or risk my life (or that of my daughter's) in the car because I can't predict when these episodes are going to occur.

mz07 · June 2012

I don't know if I currently have low blood pressure (I was 120/80 at 7 weeks) but boy have I felt super dizzy today (new for me), so I totally feel for you. Hopefully the doctor can give you some better reassurance when you see him.

lildevil968 · June 2012

Lurking, but I was about the same as you when I PG with DS. My BP never got above 98/72. I also run really low when not PG. Most the time the electronic blood pressure cuffs do not register me, so they have to take my BP manually. The Dr's never worried about my BP because I have a history of low blood pressure. The thing I found was best for me when I started to feel a little light headed was orange juice, and cookies. I always had a small package of cookies with me, and would bring a small bottle of orange juice with me to work, and that worked wonders.

melsy80 · June 2012

My blood pressure is always that low. It always alarms the nurses who are taking my blood pressure. I get dizzy often, especially if I don't eat well. I make sure I have snacks with me all the time, and I try to take it slow when I stand up from sitting.

My doctors never seemed to be alarmed by this, but like I said my blood pressure is always this low. Even when i'm not pregnant. I think I would be more alarmed if my blood pressure was normally higher, but suddenly dipped.

lovin life23 · June 2012

I usually have low bp (not pregnant) and I get little dizzy spells or light headedness....upping sodium intake sometimes is good (you can have the salt with low bp) and eating every 3 hours helps..I also have hypoglycemic tendancies (not sure if they are related) but that helps me.....If you are worried your dr isnt worried enough get a second opinion..I havent had my first appt yet so we'll see what my bp is then...

blueeyedgirl27 · June 2012

Thanks for all the replies, like I said I know it's common just felt like complaining. My appointment went alright, heard the hb for the first time which was nice (in the 160s). My OB told me she's gotten a ton of calls from other PG women over the last couple days for the same problem. It's hotter than hell here in Pittsburgh right now so we're apparently all suffering.

bakekiwi · June 2012

Hey, nurse here too. That's awfully low. I'd ask for an H&H at your appointment. Yikes, the passing out sounds scary. Like a previous poster said, I'd break out the salt, caffeine and push fluids.

this decaf life · June 2012

I would get a second opinion. I wouldn't be comfortable in a situation where it's consistently low enough to make you feel like passing out!

AKremer · June 2012

I have lbp, but its because I have neurocardiogenic syncope. My OB is concerned that I will faint while pg. I was fine up until 10 weeks. Then all the sudden, I have been dizzy every day. Aggrevated especially by hot showers and the HOT weather we've been having in MI. I saw my cardiologist, he said he's going to keep my current florinef dose at 0.1 QD and order 20-30mmHg compression hose, and see if that makes things better. I have to see both doctors regularly until my delivery. I've found the stockings to make a noticeable difference!! Also I drink G2 Gatorade to stay hydrated in addition to my water. Maybe the stockings would help you too?!!!

** typed from iPhone sorry for errors! **

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