Blood Pressure Question

Ohh also, When my blood pressure was lower I was taking an anti anxiety medacine called zoloft. Could the rise in blood pressure be because of going off of the zoloft? I do have a very stressful sales job which might be the cause. What should I do?

Keller, My pre preggo BP was high and then during the pregnancy, it miraculously dropped to 90/60 and has remained the same throughout..Then the last 1 month it has been fluctuating a lot sometimes 122/80 and then 90/60. My Dr considers that elevated because my normal has been 90/60 throughout. Your first tri, BP reduces due to blood vessels expanding and stuff so its normal. I would consider 128 as Higher than normal. Talk to your Dr more about it. Stress causes BP to increase, I measure my BP @ home and when Im stressed my BP is 120/80 and all other times around 105/68 or something.

If you dont have a monitor at home, you can go to Walmart and get it checked there and definately talk to your Dr in detail about this. Systolic of 128 is on the higher side, esp during the 1st tri.

Oh Yes and reduce the sodium intake, cut down caffeine completely and Stay away from Stress. But if ur job does that theres nothing much you can do other than just trying to not take that much on to your shoulders.

Mine has fluctuated throughout my pregnancy. I don't remember what the cause, or when, exactly, it happens, but I read somewhere that there is an expected rise in BP at some point during the second trimester. Then, at the end of the trimester, it should fall back down to "normal".

Yes..Dr Q also says the same thing when I asked him..By the end of 2nd Tri and 3rd Tri ur BP is expected to raise than normal, but in no way should be more than 130/90. That may mean other underlaying conditions.

Your BP is the lowest 1st two Tris. So, Keller, u need to talk more to ur Dr as you are just 14 weeks now.

Thanks girls!

But my bloodpressure was lower in the 1st trimester, It was 110 and then once I hit 12 weeks it was 121 and at 15 weeks it was 128. So it shouldnt be this high this early in the 2nd trimester?

Keller- all I know is that reducing you sodium intake and increasing the amount of water you drink can make a difference- and when you are home, even if you are feeling great, rest a little and relax with feet up- try not to stress- thats what can send BP through the roof!!!

(((((Hug)))))

Ohh and I started my 17th week today. I also dont drink any caffiene at all but have liked more saltier foods lately and I have gained a total of 7 lbs. When I was at the doctor last week and she monitores my blood pressure it was 128 and she said "perfect". But then I started reading about blood pressure and wanted to make sure mine is not too high. Maybe I should have it taken again?

Thanks Lori!

Ohh and the appointment where my blood pressure was 128 my baby's heartrate was 153 which she said was great too!

Dr.Q,

Could you also comment on this situation? Thanks so much!

Ive also heard that if its taken the moment you get in the room, and its borderline high, to have them take it again after the appt before you leave, so you may have calmed down a bit?

And if the doc said perfect.. WHAT ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT? LOL Keller you crack me up!

Keller from what I know @ 14 W it wouldnt increase physiologically..Its the lowest in the 2nd tri..It starts increasing as u get to the 3rd trimester. Systolic of 128 even under non pregnant time is considered pre hypertension. I would still discuss the situation with your Dr to make sure theres nothing else going on. Oh ur baby is just great! Dont worry abt him/her

Yes! Lori is right..Thats why the nurse makes u sit for a while and chats up with you before doing ur BP.

Ok heres the thing. I dont know why but all of you know I am a worry wart about pretty much everything! But anyways, Before my appointments (dont even ask why!) but I get a very nervous stomach with diarreah! Once the appointment is over I completely calm down but when I first get there I'm all nervous and sweating! I was definitly like this when she took my blood pressure and she did take it right when she got into the room. We didnt really have a chit chat. She had me pee in a cup, then I got weighed and then blood pressure. I get nervous until after we hear the heartbeat and then I calm down. Maybe I need to chill out and realx before my appointments from now on!

Keller dont worry ur not alone..I get the same nervous upset tummy every time before the Dr visit and its because I get worried my BP will be high and i have to end up taking pills. but it never has. For me, once they take the BP, im perfectly calm lol.

Go to walmart and check ur BP when ur more relaxed :) ull be fine

Thanks Hope! I'm on my way to Walmart!

Hi Girls!

Ok so I went to Walmart! I ran in really quick because I had to get back to work. But the first reading (I was nervous and out of breath from running) it was 126/73. So I sat there for a few minutes a calmed my breathing and re-did it and the reading came back at 112/72. I think thats good! And I think my stress and anxiety are what makes it go up a little! So now I am trying to reduce my stress and anxiety level and keep them both at a minimum. Thanks for the advice! I'll be a regular at Walmart!

Glad to hear Maria!

Yay Thats a good reading there Keller!

Maria, sorry to hear about your BP going up, but i would assume the stopping of zoloft as well as the anxiety of going to the dr. might have alot to do w/ it as well as sodium intake. I on the other hand have had the opposite, every time i go to the dr.'s, my BP gets lower and lower and i joked and asked if she was sure i wasn't in a coma. LOL

anyway, they make me wait forever in the waiting room so my initial anxiety wanes by the time they take my BP.

But as Alikk said (i think), you should try and get AS much rest and relaxation as you can especially if you have a high stress job. My friends have LOVED yoga for pregnant ladies if you can fit that into your schedule.