Normal blood pressure is essential for the health and well-being of both the mother and baby during pregnancy. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, 6 to 8 percent of pregnant women experience high blood pressure.
What's Normal
Blood pressure during pregnancy is considered to be normal at 120/80, but levels slightly higher or lower than this ideal can also fall within the normal range.
Significance
Blood pressure that fluctuates outside the normal range can cause fainting, or swelling and headaches, which are signs of pre-eclampsia. Pre-eclampsia is a dangerous condition that can lead to placental complications, including detachment, if untreated.
Considerations
Blood pressure readings should be taken with an appropriate-size cuff. Cuffs that are too large or too small will give inaccurate readings. An upper arm circumference of more than 13 inches requires a large cuff, according to Plus Size Pregnancy.
Exercise
Pregnant women can help maintain good blood pressure by exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet full of protein and vegetables.
Warning
When a pregnant woman's blood pressure rises to 140/90, she is considered to have risen outside of the normal range and entered into hypertension, or high blood pressure.
