Abuja – Dr Adaora Ukoh, an Abuja based gynaecologist, says severe drop in blood pressure in pregnancy could result in organ, placenta damage which could result in slow growth of the baby.
She said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday.
Ukoh explained that low blood pressure during pregnancy is when the blood pressure was below the normal range of 120/80
According to her, the blood pressure of some women normally drops during the early stage of pregnancy and could also become lower during the middle and second trimester.
Ukoh explained that a drop in blood pressure occurs as the circulatory system expands rapidly, which causes the blood vessel to dilate thereby leading to low blood pressure.
However, she noted that it was normal for some pregnant women to experience drop in blood pressure, saying the blood pressure returns to normal after delivering.
The expert attributed lack of nutrients in the diet such as Vitamin B-12 as well as folate, as factors that can predispose a pregnant woman to low blood pressure.
“Hormonal change during pregnancy is another factor that causes low blood pressure in pregnancy.
“An increase flow of blood in the body to maintain the supply of oxygen and food nutrients to the foetus also increases the chances of developing low blood pressure during pregnancy.
“Being pregnant with twins, dehydration as well as certain heart diseases can lead to the condition in some pregnant women.
[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”70560″]
“Medical history of low blood pressure, anaemia and deficiency in folic acid can also be a predisposing factor to low blood pressure during pregnancy.
“Lying on the bed for prolonged duration as well as some medication can also be responsible for the condition in pregnancy,’’ she added.
The expert enjoined patients with the condition to seek medical help if light headedness, excessive thirst, fatigue and elevated heart rate are experienced during pregnancy.
Ukoh further advised individuals with the condition to exercise regularly, stressing that it helps keep the blood pressure within the normal range.
She also suggested the consumption of small meals during the day instead of the normal three large meals as it would help maintain blood pressure in average range.
The expert also warned against the use of caffeinated drinks, beverages and alcohol during pregnancy as it was harmful to women suffering from low blood pressure. (NAN)