Table of contents:
- What is supine hypotension?
- What are the symptoms of supine hypotension?
- Is this condition dangerous?
- So, how do you deal with this condition?
- Can pregnant women with this condition exercise?
Pregnancy basically causes many changes in a woman's body, including a decrease in blood pressure, aka hypotension. Yes, during pregnancy a woman's blood pressure usually decreases by as much as 15 percent. Many pregnant women experience low blood pressure, especially in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. But in certain cases, a woman can also experience supine hypotension disorder.
What is supine hypotension?
Supine hypotension syndrome (SHT) aka supine hypotension disorder is a 30 percent reduction in systolic blood pressure (about 15-30 mmHG) in pregnant women when they are in a supine position.
Systolic blood pressure or the number above blood pressure shows the level of pressure when the heart is pumping blood to flow to all parts of the body.
This condition is caused by an enlarged uterus (womb) with increasing gestational age. The enlarged uterus will put pressure on the vena cava (largest vein of the trunk) and the lower aorta when it is in a teletnang position.
This compression of the vena cava restricts blood flow back to the heart. As a result, there is a decrease in venous return, which causes symptoms of low blood pressure. In a fairly severe situation, this condition will cause the mother to lose consciousness.
Supine hypotension usually occurs starting from the 2nd trimester of gestation. However, this condition can also occur in women in the 3rd trimester or 36-38 weeks of gestation. Risk factors for this disorder include multiple pregnancy and obesity. Because these two things can affect the size, shape and weight of a woman's uterus.
What are the symptoms of supine hypotension?
When low blood pressure occurs and falls quite dramatically, a woman may develop symptoms such as:
- Tachycardia, a fast or weak heartbeat at rest
- Nausea
- Gag
- Pale face
- Break out in a cold sweat
- Weak
- Dizziness and feeling very uncomfortable
- Difficulty breathing
- Kliyengan
- Fainting
Symptoms of low blood pressure usually occur temporarily within 3 to 10 minutes after the woman is in a lying or supine position.
Is this condition dangerous?
There is a theory that prolonged or repeated pressure on the veins can also reduce blood flow to the placenta, which can negatively impact fetal development.
The impact on the fetus includes fetal distress, aka fetal distress. Meanwhile, the mother will cause a decrease in blood supply to the brain which can cause shock.
In severe cases, this condition can also lead to death of the mother and / or fetus.
So, how do you deal with this condition?
Many experts advise pregnant women more than 20 weeks pregnant to sleep on their left side or sit down. It is important that you avoid standing for too long.
The reason is that standing too long, especially in the third trimester, can drastically reduce blood flow back to the heart. This in turn causes dizziness, fainting, and even injury from falls.
Can pregnant women with this condition exercise?
To prevent supine hypotension disorders, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) advises women not to do sports in a supine position after the first trimester. If you feel dizzy every time you exercise in a lying position, then stop doing the exercise in that position.
There are no studies that support the suggestion that exercising on your back can have a negative impact on fetal development. Not only that, until now there is no strong enough evidence that resting or sleeping on your back can restrict blood flow.
Please consult an obstetrician for more information. The doctor will provide medical advice and treatment according to your condition.
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