Tracking Your Blood Pressure
A “how to guide” to monitor your blood pressure during pregnancy.
Monitoring your blood pressure in pregnancy
Sometimes we ask clients to track their blood pressure to give us a little more information and help us make sure we are keeping both mom and baby safe.
If we’re monitoring your blood pressure, it’s important to have really good information — meaning using good techniques to get accurate readings.
These are instructions to follow for the best accurate results:
Preparation:
Choose the Right Time: Take your blood pressure at the same times each day, ideally in the morning and evening.
Avoid Certain Activities: Don’t measure your blood pressure immediately after exercise, caffeine, or a meal. Wait at least 30 minutes after these activities.
Steps for Monitoring:
Sit Comfortably:
Sit in a chair with your back supported and feet flat on the floor.
Rest your arm on a table at heart level.
Position the Cuff:
Roll up your sleeve or remove tight clothing.
Place the arm cuff around your upper arm, about 1 inch above your elbow. Place the wrist cuff on your wrist with the screen on the same side as your palm. Ensure it's snug but not too tight.
Start the Monitor:
Turn on the device and follow the instructions specific to your monitor. Most digital monitors will inflate automatically.
Stay Still and Quiet:
Remain still and silent while the measurement is taken. Avoid talking or moving.
Record the Reading:
Once the measurement is complete, the monitor will display your blood pressure reading (systolic/diastolic) and your pulse.
Write down the results, including the date and time.
Repeat:
For accuracy, take two or three readings, waiting about 1 minute between each. Record all readings. Test daily.
Tips for Accurate Readings:
Ensure the cuff is positioned correctly and the monitor is calibrated.
Take your blood pressure at the same times each day for consistency.
If you notice any significant fluctuations, consult your midwife.
Picking a Good Cuff
Most wrist cuffs work fine. If you are going to have to buy a new one, Omron is probably the best known brand of wrist cuffs. But honestly, you can get great results with most brands, so don’t stress about the brand. Get one that fits your budget. It will be just fine.
Upper arm cuffs are considered the most accurate. Again, you can use any brand. They will mostly give you good results. We have good luck with Braun and Dario at Frisco Birth Center. These 2 brands are comfortable and seem to work really well.
Make sure that you get the right size. They can be in “regular” or XL sizes
When to Contact Your Midwife:
If you get readings higher than your target range (140/90, either number) or have symptoms like intense or unusual headaches, headache with a change in vision, dizziness, overnight swelling, or shortness of breath, call your provider immediately.
If you have unusual pain in your upper abdomen along the ribs on your right side, call your midwife or provider.
