Low blood pressure, any tips on dealing with it?

[soon2Bmamaof3]

My blood pressure has always been on the low side, but this pregnancies it is quite low. The only thing my doctor could suggest was drink more. I have been, but doesn't seem to make a difference. I was wondering if anyone else had any suggestions.

[Mahjong]

I know how you are feeling. My BP is 88/40 with this pregnancy. It's exhausting.

I was told to up the water intake to 2 litres a day. Ive been doing this and only feel slightly better.

Another tip, dont lift your arms above your head for more than a few seconds. My middie told me on Thursday that it can play havoc with the BP levels and make you feel worse. Prolly why I felt so bad the other day hanging the washing out :laughing:

Laying on my side helps me, only my left side though. Anything else and Im ready to pass out. Laying on your back can make it worse.

[Refresh]

I always have low blood pressure too, especially in pregnancy. Just have to drink heaps of water and not stand up to quickly!

I dont know what else helps....I am glad it is low rather than being high though! if thats any consulation...

[Mahjong]

I dont know what else helps....I am glad it is low rather than being high though! if thats any consulation...

Yep, me too!

[didlesdines]

I never had low BP when pregnant only when in hospital, they would wake me at stupid hours to drink they didn't care what it was just drink.

[soon2Bmamaof3]

Thanks for the advice. The constant dizzyness is a pain bur better than having high blood pressure.

[Mrs Potts]

TThe constant dizzyness is a pain bur better than having high blood pressure.
I hear you on the dizzieness! I never know from one day to the next whether I'll actually be able to get out and about when I get out of bed. I won't go anywhere when I'm feeling like that, especially won't drive and it causes havoc!

One thing my GP said I could try (and it is just a "try") was to wear support stockings. You know, like the ones you wear on long flights to avoid DVT? I had to wear them when I had my last c/s. But my GP said they could help push the blood back up to your heart. I haven't actually tried them yet, but if your dizzy spells are bad enough it might be worth a go!

[Mahjong]

I'd never heard of that Mrs Potts.

I hear you on the dizzyness also! Mine can hit anytime, last week it was halfway through the grocery shopping, it was just me and DS :eek:

[NonnyMouse]

This is kinda weird... bt I had low BP in the last few weeks of my pregnancy, and my GP suggested eating licorice! Apparently people with HIGH BP should avoid because it can raise BP, but it was definitely worth a try, and luckily it satisfied a few cravings I'd been having too! It was so long ago that I can't remember if it actually worked, but I did manage not to actually faint!

[sam's mum]

my dr told me to increase my salt intake a little bit.

I wasn't pregnant at the time though.

[broodychook]

I read that blood pressure gets lower as the pregnancy goes on. At less than 7 weeks I was suffering headspins, shaky hands and bp was 88 over 52. Is it going to get worse?