In plain words
Orthostatic hypotension is a drop in blood pressure that happens when a person stands up. Blood pools in the legs, and less blood reaches the brain for a moment. The result can be dizziness, a dark or gray feeling at the edges of vision, or faintness. In pregnancy, blood vessels relax and the growing uterus presses on the large veins in the pelvis. These changes make the drop more likely. Many mothers notice it when they stand after sitting or lying down. It usually passes in seconds. Some clinicians check blood pressure while lying and standing to look for it. A provider may ask about how often episodes happen and how severe they are.
The deeper version
Orthostatic hypotension is defined as a sustained reduction of at least 20 millimeters of mercury systolic or 10 millimeters of mercury diastolic within three minutes of standing. In pregnancy, venous capacitance increases and venous return from the legs is impeded by the gravid uterus, so orthostatic pooling is greater and baroreceptor compensation is slower, producing orthostatic hypotension and presyncope. partly offsets the effect in the second trimester. Symptoms are most common in the first and early second trimester and after prolonged standing or heat exposure. Evaluation distinguishes physiologic change from autonomic disorders, anemia, and cardiac causes.
Where it comes up
- Exhaustion in the first trimesterPregnancy: Your Body
- Blood sugar, dizziness, and energy crashesPregnancy: Eating
- Drinking enough waterPregnancy: Eating
- Leaving the house for the first timeSupport, Home, and Village
- Blood-building foods after birthNourishment and Traditions
What mothers here say about orthostatic hypotension
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Sources
- Cunningham FG et al. — Williams Obstetrics, 25th edition, 2018