Confirm readings
Use appropriate cuff size and repeat measurement when needed.
Blood pressure, symptoms and placental health
High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy
Assessment distinguishes chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia because management and monitoring can differ.
Book a specialist consultation
Four parts of an individual care plan.
Ask about symptoms
Headache, visual change, upper abdominal pain, breathlessness and swelling may be relevant.
Check maternal organs
Blood and urine tests may assess kidney, liver and platelet effects.
Assess the pregnancy
Growth, fluid and Doppler may be considered depending on severity and gestational age.
The central idea
A blood-pressure reading is important, but it is not the whole assessment.
Symptoms, urine protein, blood tests, gestational age and fetal growth can help determine whether pre-eclampsia or another hypertensive disorder is present.
Questions about high blood pressure during pregnancy
These answers are general. Individual advice depends on the clinical history and assessment.
Reception can help with appointment details
No. Diagnosis requires clinical assessment and may include repeat blood pressure, symptoms, urine and blood tests.
Yes, if your clinician recommends it. Use a validated device, correct technique and clear thresholds for contacting the team.
Severe headache, visual disturbance, upper abdominal pain, breathlessness, seizures or rapidly worsening illness need urgent care.
Hypertensive disorders can affect placental function and fetal growth, so surveillance may be advised.
No medicine should be stopped without clinical advice. Some treatments can be continued or changed safely under supervision.