The normal blood pressure during pregnancy is generally considered to be less than 120/80 mm Hg, the same as for non-pregnant adults. Blood pressure naturally changes throughout pregnancy, often decreasing slightly in the first and second trimesters due to hormonal changes, and then returning to pre-pregnancy levels or slightly increasing in the third trimester.
Blood Pressure Ranges in Pregnancy:
- Normal: Less than 120 systolic / 80 diastolic mm Hg.
- Elevated: Systolic between 120-129 mm Hg and diastolic less than 80 mm Hg.
- High blood pressure (Hypertension): Readings of 140/90 mm Hg or higher measured on two separate occasions after 20 weeks gestation.
Considerations:
- Blood pressure under 90/60 mm Hg is generally considered low (hypotension), which can cause dizziness or fainting but is less common in pregnancy.
- High blood pressure during pregnancy can be chronic (pre-existing), gestational (develops after 20 weeks), or due to preeclampsia (complicates pregnancy with organ involvement).
Monitoring blood pressure regularly during prenatal visits is essential to detect and manage any abnormal changes, which may affect the health of both mother and baby.
