High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects 5% to 10% of pregnant women. High blood pressure can increase the risk of complications for both mother and baby, such as premature delivery, slow growth of the baby, maternal renal, lung, and liver damage, seizures, separation of the placenta, and long-term complications. Moreover, high blood pressure affects women differently. Black women are twice as likely to experience hypertension than White women. Knowing how to recognize high blood pressure, symptoms associated with hypertension, and how to manage it can help to ensure a healthier pregnancy and delivery.

How to Take the Blood Pressure and Read your Blood Pressure Numbers

Your blood pressure is measured using two numbers: systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Your systolic blood pressure is the upper, and your diastolic blood pressure is the lower number. Knowing how to take your blood pressure and understanding the normal and the elevated values can help determine when to act.

HOW TO TAKE YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE
Check with your provider to ensure your blood pressure device is calibrated and the blood pressure cuff is the appropriate size for your arm

Within 30 minutes before taking your blood pressure, DO NOT:

Smoke

Eat

Take any medication

Drink coffee or sodas

Exercise

Empty your bladder

Seat straight with your left arm at the level of the heart supported on a table or chair arm.

Support your back and feet.

DO NOT cross your legs or place your feet on the ground.

Put the blood pressure cuff on your bare left arm above the elbow.

Adjust the cuff around the arm and ensure the velcro is closed.

Do not cross your legs and do not place your legs on the ground.

Press START on the device. The cuff will be inflated and then deflated. Be sure to breathe normally, stay relaxed in the same position, and not establish a conversation.

Your blood pressure reading falls into one of these THREE categories:

Normal: Less than 140/90. Continue monitoring.

Mildly Elevated: 140-159/90-109. Call your provider and set up a medical visit.

Severely Elevated: equal to or greater than 160/110. SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION.
Types of Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy
Chronic Hypertension
Chronic hypertension refers to high blood pressure before pregnancy or within the first half of pregnancy (before 20 weeks). Women with chronic hypertension are at risk of developing other conditions such as preeclampsia later in pregnancy.

Gestational Hypertension
Gestational hypertension occurs when high blood pressure develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy without protein in the urine or other organ damage. While it usually resolves after delivery, it can increase the risk of future hypertension.

Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a serious condition that typically develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy and has increased protein in the urine. This condition involves both high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, often the liver or kidneys. Preeclampsia can lead to severe complications if untreated, including eclampsia (seizures), stroke, and organ failure.

Postpartum Preeclampsia
Although rare, preeclampsia can also occur after the baby is born, typically within 48 hours but up to six weeks postpartum. If untreated, it can cause serious health problems.