Hey there, I am a nurse at a birthing center. I'm not sure what the problem is with your blood pressure, unless this is a drastic decrease from your usual readings. We have many people that have low bp during pregnancy. If you aren't getting light headed, seeing stars, or passing out when you stand up, then what exactly is the problem? If bp goes *too* low there is concern about the uterus getting enough blood circulation; but if your blood pressure is normally low, then it is what your body is used to.
If you are anticipating (or if your mw is) the use of epidural during labor, then maybe that is where the problem lies, as an epidural causes a mother's blood pressure to drop.
Keep yourself *very* well hydrated, with the vast majority of your fluid intake coming from water. Eat *tons* of protein. Good quality protein, not just animal protein. In addition to yogurt, cheese, milk, and meats, add lots of beans, tofu, tempeh, soymilk, nuts, oatmeal, whole grains, and brown rice to your diet. Nutritional yeast can be put into smoothies to increase protein. You can also grind up some flax seeds in a coffee mill; use a tablespoon a day for the first two days (you can add it to your oatmeal) and then increase it to 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons each day. Anything more than this might give you colon blow (though most moms might actually want this late in pregnancy...), so proceed carefully!
Your midwife owes you an explanation. Why was she concerned? Was she just joking? If so, bad joke. If not, what exactly does she suggest you do to increase your bp? How can you tell someone to increase their blood pressure, but not give any suggestions for this? That sure doesn't seem very helpful! But I also know that sometimes comments can be completely misconstrued. So give her a call. Tell her your concerned about that part of the discussion. Is she truly concerned about your blood pressure? Why? What suggestions does she offer? Communication is key in your relationship, and it goes both ways. Sometimes it is easier to facilitate than others, though.
: I'm sorry she has you concerned; I hope it doesn't affect the last days of your pregnancy or your labor.
Good luck! Enjoy these last couple of days. Let us know when you have welcomed your child to the world!
Lori
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