Check in with your Blood Pressure, mommies to be!
Had to deliver my baby with an emergency c section at 36 weeks because my blood pressure was very high out of no where. My pregnancy was not high risk, it was a weekly routine doctor’s visit that had me in the hospital and in the delivery room(diagnosed with preeclampsia) within 6 hours. They say that high blood pressure is a silent killer, makes total sense, I felt great but upon checking into the hospital my BP was at 168/100. #pregnancy #highbloodpressure #pregnant #pregnancyjourney #motherhood #preclampsia
After my emergency C-section, I spent days recovering, reflecting on everything. The doctors mentioned my high blood pressure and preeclampsia, and I also heard terms like 'magnesium + sulfate' for treatment. It made me realize how little I knew about what was happening inside my body, especially regarding blood volume during pregnancy. I've been doing some research, and I want to share what I've learned, hoping it helps other mommies-to-be avoid a similar scare. During pregnancy, your body undergoes incredible changes, and one of the most significant is the increase in blood volume. Normally, a pregnant woman's blood volume can increase by 30-50% by the third trimester! This extra blood is vital. It’s needed to supply oxygen and nutrients to your growing baby and placenta, and to prepare your body for childbirth, minimizing blood loss during delivery. But what happens when this delicate balance is off? In my case, it was high blood pressure, a hallmark of preeclampsia. While preeclampsia isn't just about blood volume, issues with how your blood vessels adapt and regulate fluid can certainly contribute to it. My blood pressure shot up to 168/100, which made me a candidate for immediate delivery. The fact that I felt 'great' until then really hammered home the 'silent killer' aspect the doctors talked about. That's why regular check-ups are non-negotiable! Doctors closely monitor blood pressure and other signs because a sudden change can indicate something serious. For me, they started talking about magnesium + sulfate to manage the severe blood pressure and prevent seizures. It was a scary time, but understanding why these things happen and what they're looking for can make a huge difference. So, what can you do? First, never skip your prenatal appointments. Your doctor is monitoring these vital signs for a reason. Pay attention to any unusual swelling, severe headaches, vision changes, or sudden weight gain – these can sometimes be subtle signs of issues related to blood pressure and fluid balance. Staying hydrated is also important for healthy blood volume, but always follow your doctor's advice, especially if you have conditions like preeclampsia where fluid restrictions might be necessary. Learning about these physiological changes helped me process my experience. It wasn't just 'bad luck,' but a complex interaction within my body. I truly pray for all mommies-to-be out there for a safe birth, and I hope this little insight into blood volume and blood pressure during pregnancy empowers you to advocate for your health and ask questions. Your body is doing an amazing job, so let's support it!
