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vidaRPM | Blood Pressure - Pregnancy & Postpartum

What's Your Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the pressure of circulating blood against the walls of blood vessels. A mother's blood pressure is an important measurement in pregnancy and after the baby is born. Blood pressure during pregnancy can determine how your pregnancy is managed, the potential timing of delivery, and signal complications with mother and with baby. Some women have high blood pressure during and after pregnancy, this can be a sign of preeclampsia and will need to be closely monitored by your medical care team. With reasonable blood pressure control, you and your baby can remain healthy.

Pregnant woman getting her blood pressure taken

High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy Health Education Powerpoint vidaRPM Participant Login

High blood pressure complications during pregnancy

Complications from hypertension for the mother include:

Preeclampsia
Eclampsia (seizures)
Stroke
The need for labor induction
Placental abruption (when the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus)

Complications for the baby include:

Preterm delivery (before 37 weeks of pregnancy)
Low birth weight (less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces)

Additionally, the mother’s hypertension makes it more difficult for the baby to get enough oxygen and nutrients to grow. As a result, you may have to deliver your baby early.

Causes of high blood pressure

Primary hypertension and secondary hypertension are the two types of high blood pressure. With primary, there is no identifiable cause; it naturally develops over time. With secondary, hypertension is caused by an underlying condition or a medication. Obstructive sleep apnea, thyroid issues, kidney conditions, adrenal gland tumors, congenital disabilities in the blood vessels, alcohol abuse, and cocaine or amphetamine use can all lead to secondary hypertension.

Risk factors include:

A lack of physical activity

Tobacco use

High levels of sodium

Low levels of potassium

Low levels of vitamin D

Excessive alcohol consumption

Stress

Kidney disease

Hypertension is a manageable condition under the supervision of a licensed medical professional.

Monitoring Your Blood Pressure

You can monitor your blood pressure at home using an at-home arm cuff machine/monitor and following the manufacturer’s instructions. Take and record your blood pressure readings twice a day and share them with your medical team. If any of your readings fall outside the normal range, take action.

Stop light visual for BP

Systolic over 140 OR Diastolic 90 or above: Record blood pressure, call your care provider immediately, review "How do you feel?"

Systolic 121-139 OR Diastolic 81-89: Record blood pressure in the app, repeat blood pressure and call your care provider

Systolic 120 or less AND Diastolic 80 or less: Record blood pressure in the app

Log your blood pressure

Pregnant woman getting bp taken

HEALTH CARE DISCLAIMER: This program, related materials and services do not constitute the practice of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The quality of an at home reading is dependent on both the method and equipment. Always talk to your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment, including your specific medical needs. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem or condition, please contact a qualified healthcare professional immediately. If you are in the United States and experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or call for emergency medical help immediately.