Why it's important to take your blood pressure during pregnancy

High blood pressure during pregnancy or hypertension can disrupt blood flow to the placenta and cause a series of issues for you and baby. That’s why it's important to monitor and understand the potential risks. High blood pressure can also lead to complications such as preeclampsia that can be life-threatening to both mom and baby if untreated. 

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Monitoring your blood pressure at home is a great way to make sure you're getting the care or treatment you need as soon as you need it. 

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What is Hypertension (High blood pressure)

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a common condition that means the pressure in your blood vessels is too high. 

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Symptoms

Symptoms of high blood pressure can come in various forms with headaches being one of the first. Unfortunately, headaches can be blamed on so many other things–stress or anxiety, dehydration, etc. That’s why it’s important to take regular readings when you are calm and relaxed.

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Other symptoms may include: 

• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Nausea and vomiting
• Chest pain
• Abnormal heart rhythm
• Difficulty breathing. (WHO).

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RIsk Factors 

‍Risk factors for high blood pressure are typically split into a few different categories such as lifestyle and family history.

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These include: 

• Having a diet of salty, high saturated and trans fats foods 
• Not getting enough physical activity 
• Drinking too much alcohol or caffeine 
• Not getting enough good-quality sleep 
• Experiencing high-stress situations 
• Cigarette smoking or using tobacco can increase your risk
• Having a family history of high blood pressure

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According to the American Heart Association, there are different levels or stages of hypertension that could lead to different levels of treatment. 

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Stage 1 Hypertension spans a range from 130/80 mm Hg to 139/89 mm Hg.

• Your doctor will likely recommend lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a heart-healthy diet, and quitting tobacco use. They may consider adding blood pressure medication based on other health conditions you may have.

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Stage 2 Hypertension is considered 140/90 mm Hg or higher. 

• Your doctor will prescribe blood pressure medication and recommend lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a heart-healthy diet, and quitting tobacco use. 

• A Hypertensive Crisis is considered 180/120 mm Hg and warrants immediate medical attention.

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If you experience high blood pressure, you will be asked to sit calmly for 5 minutes and retake your blood pressure. If your blood pressure remains high and you are experiencing any abnormal symptoms, such as those listed above, seek medical attention immediately by dialing 911 and consulting with your medical provider. 

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What is preeclampsia

High blood pressure can also be a sign of other more serious pregnancy complications. One being preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication that along with high blood pressure can lead to organ damage of the liver or kidneys. If left untreated, this condition can be life-threatening. Typically detected after 20 weeks of pregnancy, it can develop even if an early pregnancy showed no signs at all. 

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Symptoms

Symptoms vary from one pregnancy to the next, but the main symptoms are elevated protein levels in urine and high blood pressure. 

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Other symptoms can include: 

• Decreased levels of platelets in blood (thrombocytopenia)
• Increased liver enzymes that indicate liver problems
• Severe headaches
• Changes in vision, including temporary loss of vision, blurred vision or light sensitivity
• Shortness of breath, caused by fluid in the lungs
• Pain in the upper belly, usually under the ribs on the right side
• Nausea or vomiting

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Risk factors

It’s difficult to label a patient as high-risk for preeclampsia. Currently there are no recommended tests that can predict the onset. However, being under 20 or over 40, having a previous history or carrying multiples can increase the risk.

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Other risk factors may include: 

• Chronic high blood pressure
• Type 1 or type 2 diabetes before pregnancy
• Kidney issues
• Autoimmune disorders
• Obesity 
• Family history 
• Having a 10 year gap between pregnancies 

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Conclusion

Blood pressure screenings are done at every prenatal visit, about 12-15 times during a pregnancy. However, sometimes certain conditions such as time of day or food intake can cause those readings to fluctuate. Taking your blood pressure at home where you can control your environment can help. Frequent readings also means your doctors can create a treatment plan quicker and more easily should you need one. If you have experienced any of these symptoms, please contact your provider. 

If you have any questions regarding SimpliFed’s blood pressure monitoring program, are interested in referring patients or would like to speak to our team, please text or call us at 1-888-991-6772.