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Importance of Risk Management

Pre-eclampsia - The Importance of checking
Blood Pressure during pregnancy

Importance of Risk Management

Pre-eclampsia - The Importance of checking Blood Pressure during pregnancy

Pre-eclampsia is a serious blood pressure condition that can happen after the 20th week of pregnancy or after giving birth (called postpartum pre-eclampsia). It's when a woman has high blood pressure and signs that some of her organs, like her kidneys and liver, may not be working normally. Pre-eclampsia is a serious health problem for pregnant women around the world. It affects 2 to 8 percent of pregnancies worldwide.
Pregnancy brings on many new experiences. The anticipation of a new family member keeps parents busy with preparation activities. Focussing on baby names and nursery décor can be fun. The most important aspect of pregnancy, however, should always be health. Doctor visits, proper nutrition, and moderate exercise are all part of a healthy pregnancy. Blood pressure should be checked regularly, as it can be a clear indicator of underlying health problems. During pregnancy, changes in blood pressure can accompany some dangerous conditions.

Rossmax AU941f Blood Pressure Monitor



This blood pressure monitor has passed a clinical trial with 30 women in St. Joseph Hospital Cloppenburg according to BHS protocol.

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How Does a Blood Pressure Monitor Work?

Blood pressure describes the pressure in the arteries during the contraction and resting phase of the heart. Blood pressure in a healthy person varies according to the situation and at different times of the day. The situation-specific pressure is affected by e.g. physical exertion, stress and certain medications. An adult should know their own blood pressure.
Most individuals know that high blood pressure is bad for them. However, they often do not understand what makes the pressure too high. Blood pressure can also cause problems when it is too low. Blood pressure devices determine how much force is being used to move blood through the body. The cuff tightens around the arm or wrist with the intention of stopping the flow of blood. As the cuff loosens, blood begins to flow again. The monitor then reads pulse as the circulation through the veins begins. This pulsing, represented by the top number of the blood pressure reading, is the systolic reading. Eventually, the cuff reopens, at which point the pulsing ceases. That's when you get the bottom number or the diastolic reading. Check the reference values.
Blood Pressure Category Systolic (mmHG)   Diastolic (mmHG)
Optimal < 120 and < 80
Normal 120-129 or 80-84
High-normal 130-139 or 85-89
Grade 1 Hypertension (mild) 140-159 or 90-99
Grade 2 Hypertension (moderate) 160-179 or 100-109
Grade 3 Hypertension 180 or higher or 100 or higher
Pregnant women spend a lot of time at the doctor to ensure the health of their baby. They have their blood pressure checked at every visit. A change in blood pressure can indicate the development of a severe health issue, and the ability to monitor it at home allows for early detection of these changes. Healthy women and those at risk for preeclampsia and post-surgery infection can keep track of their pressure with a convenient device made for home use.

pre-eclampsia raises the blood pressure

Importance of Risk Management

Several pregnancy complications are identifiable by blood pressure changes. You should report any change in your regular pressure reading to your doctor. High blood pressure is often the first sign of pre-eclampsia, which if left untreated, is extremely dangerous to the mother and the baby. Also known as pregnancy-induced hypertension, pre-eclampsia raises the blood pressure, produces protein in the urine, and causes vision changes. The usual treatment is the prompt delivery of the baby.
Once the baby is born, symptoms usually stop immediately. Otherwise, the symptoms progress to seizures, heart failure, and possibly death. Patients may miss the warning signs if they have their blood pressure checked only at monthly doctor visits. Daily blood pressure monitoring at home could save your life. It is also important to recognize the occurrence of low blood pressure.
Low readings are common during most pregnancies. Your body focuses on supplying the baby with everything it needs. This redirection of blood and nutrients can leave the mother feeling faint, however. Pregnancy hormones cause blood vessels to dilate, contributing to low blood pressure.
When you notice low blood pressure during a daily home check, you can take action. Doctors often recommend standing slowly, sitting down when dizzy, and lying on your left side to assist circulation. When you are aware of the situation, you can avoid falls and take care of yourself properly. Sepsis and blood loss also result in low blood pressure. These are serious complications that require emergency treatment. Sepsis can occur after a C-section or other surgical procedures. You should check your blood pressure at home after delivery by cesarean. Bleeding is normal after pregnancy. However, excessive bleeding may cause blood pressure to drop. It can be beneficial to monitor your blood pressure long after the pregnancy and birth.
Some symptoms can be signs that your pre-eclampsia is severe and immediate medical treatment is necessary.
  • Swelling of the face, eyes, or hands
  • Significant weight gain in two days time
  • Infrequent urination & Dark urine
  • Changes in vision
  • Severe nausea or vomiting
  • Breathing issues
  • Severe headache or Lightheadedness
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