Re: low BP in pregnancy -- Thanks Dr. L. (aka George)
From: AMD (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Wed, 20 Jan 1999 23:45:53 -0600 (CST)
Dr. L --
I genuinely appreciate your reassuring response. My doctor did not seem
concerned about it. I have just never seen my BP this low and was
curious if it was part of a normal pregnancy process, which sounds
likely. I'm not very good at asking questions during my appointment
except the one's I wrote down beforehand. My brain is just too foggy to
think that quickly!
The nurse just took my BP with me sitting on the table -- no other
positions. I have always had a mild degree of orthostatic hypotension,
so I instinctively get up slowly.
Thanks again!
Andrea
At Wed, 20 Jan 1999, anonymous@obgyn.net wrote:
>
>Andrea:
> Yes, low B/P could make you feel light headed and a little dizzy.
>
> The blood level of progesterone gradually increases until it reached
>extremely high levels (NORMAL IN PREGNANCY) to relax the uterus. The same type
>of muscles (Smooth muscles) are in the walls of the blood vessels and they,
>too, relax. This can lead to a lowering of the B/P
>
> Mother nature in her infinite wisdom INCREASES the blood volume in the
>pregnant woman to fill the potentially empty space created by this dilatation
>of the vessels.
>
> My guess would be that you body will catch up with your relative 'low blood
>volume' and everything will be O.K. What you are describing does not seem
>abnormal.
>
> What is your B/P lying down after a few minutes supine? What is it
>immediately AFTER going to a standing position? What is your blood count? Have
>you tried wearing elastic hose?
>
> Did you ask your doctor about this?
>
> It doesn't sound like a serious problem, but then I am not able to examine
>you to rule in or out various things.
>
> Happy birthing day. Agape, Dr. L.
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