Hypotension during pregnancy: what to know

Pregnancy changes blood vessels and the amount of blood the heart circulates. Standing quickly, lying flat on the back later in pregnancy, overheating, missing meals, dehydration, anaemia, or illness can make symptoms more noticeable. Dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, tiredness, or feeling faint may occur, especially after standing. Low blood pressure can also have causes unrelated to normal pregnancy changes, so repeated symptoms should be discussed with a midwife, obstetrician, or GP. A blood pressure check and, when appropriate, blood tests can help identify the reason.

Move from lying to sitting and then standing gradually. Sit or lie on your side if you feel faint, avoid prolonged standing and excessive heat, eat regular balanced meals, and drink fluids according to your maternity team’s advice. Comfortable shoes and support while walking can reduce fall risk. Do not start salt products, herbal remedies, or medicines for low blood pressure without pregnancy-specific advice. Keep a note of readings, triggers, palpitations, bleeding, vomiting, and how quickly symptoms settle.

Seek urgent help for fainting, chest pain, severe breathlessness, heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, a severe headache, new visual disturbance, confusion, or reduced fetal movement later in pregnancy. Emergency assessment is also needed if dizziness follows an injury or does not improve after resting. Contact your maternity team promptly for repeated episodes, a racing or irregular heartbeat, persistent vomiting, or inability to drink.

Ask whether your blood pressure pattern is expected for your stage of pregnancy, whether anaemia or dehydration should be checked, and which symptoms require same-day review. Ask whether any current medicine should be adjusted and how to manage fluids, meals, and activity safely.