Blood pressure monitoring is one of the most important parts of prenatal care. In the first half of pregnancy blood pressure often drops a little, and in the second half it returns to its usual level. Repeated readings of 140/90 mmHg or higher that appear after 20 weeks should be assessed for gestational hypertension or preeclampsia. That is why your doctor checks your blood pressure at every visit and may ask you to measure regularly at home. The readings you take at home help them see the time between visits.
Preeclampsia is a condition in which high blood pressure comes with effects on organs, and it can be serious for both mother and baby. Its signs are a severe headache, blurred vision or flashing lights, pain in the upper right abdomen, sudden swelling of the face and hands, and shortness of breath. Sometimes it causes no symptoms at all, so regular measuring matters. It can also occur in the weeks after birth.
For an accurate reading at home, rest for 5 minutes, sit with your back supported and feet flat on the floor, and do not talk during the measurement. Wait at least 30 minutes after caffeine or exercise. Measuring at similar times each day makes readings easier to compare and gives your doctor a consistent record. If you get a single high reading, stay calm, rest a few minutes and measure again. If it is still high, follow the guidance below.
What you can do
- Log systolic and diastolic pressure, with optional pulse and notes.
- Tag the time of a reading, such as morning, evening or after a meal.
- See each reading's category on a color-coded indicator.
- Find out right away what to do for readings above 140/90 and 160/110.
- Follow your average, highest reading and trend on the chart.
- Get an AI review of your recent readings.
How to use it
- Measure your blood pressure after resting for 5 minutes.
- Enter the systolic and diastolic values, and if you like, your pulse and the time of the reading.
- Read the category indicator and any warning.
- Share the trend on the chart with your doctor at checkups.
Frequently asked questions
What is normal blood pressure during pregnancy?
In pregnancy, below 120/80 mmHg is generally considered normal. Below 90/60 is considered low blood pressure and is often not dangerous if you have no symptoms. 140/90 and above is high blood pressure and should be reported to your doctor. 160/110 and above needs urgent assessment. Your doctor sets the target values for you.
What are the signs of high blood pressure in pregnancy?
High blood pressure often causes no symptoms, which is why measuring matters. Signs that may point to preeclampsia include a severe headache that does not go away, blurred vision or flashing lights, pain in the upper right abdomen or just below the ribs, sudden swelling of the face and hands, and shortness of breath. If you have any of these, contact your doctor right away.
When does preeclampsia start?
Preeclampsia usually appears after 20 weeks and is most common in the third trimester. Less often, it can develop in the days after birth and within the first 6 weeks. A first pregnancy, twin pregnancy, existing high blood pressure, kidney disease and preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy all increase the risk.
How do you take blood pressure correctly during pregnancy?
Sit quietly for at least 5 minutes before measuring, with your back supported and feet flat on the floor. Do not cross your legs or talk during the measurement. Put the cuff on your bare arm at heart level. Wait at least 30 minutes after caffeine, smoking or exercise. Measuring at similar times each day makes readings easier to compare.