Normal Blood Pressure Range During Pregnancy

What is a Normal Blood Pressure Range During Pregnancy Chart?

During pregnancy, the body undergoes significant transformations to support the growth and development of the fetus. It is essential to consistently monitor blood pressure throughout these nine months and ensure the patient remains within safe parameters.

Blood pressure measures the force blood exerts on artery walls. It is expressed in two values: systolic and diastolic. The systolic number reflects arterial pressure during heartbeats, while the diastolic number indicates pressure between heartbeats. Elevated pressure can lead to hypertension, while reduced pressure may result in hypotension.

The presence of hypertension during pregnancy is a cause for concern, necessitating close monitoring due to potential risks that can result in significant harm. High blood pressure issues associated with pregnancy include chronic hypertension, chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia.

Using a blood pressure pregnancy chart to ensure normal ranges is common and crucial for delivering safe and effective care to pregnant patients. Regularly recording blood pressure results allows for analysis against recommended parameters, offering a clear understanding of the situation. Abnormal blood pressure is often referred to as a silent killer due to its hidden risks, making regular charting and necessary medical interventions paramount.

How does it work?

A pregnancy blood pressure chart can assist you in monitoring a patient's blood pressure during pregnancy. Constant blood pressure reading is essential to prevent high blood pressure spikes.

Step 1: Gather your resources

Blood pressure charts are valuable resources and essential to keep on hand. Make sure that you have one when the need arises by clicking the "Download Template" or "Use Template" button or by searching "Normal Blood Pressure Range During Pregnancy Chart" through the search feature in Carepatron's template library.

Step 2: Collate essential information

Fill out all essential patient information, including any relevant medical history that may impact the parameters. Gestation stage and previous blood pressure issues should be indicated. This form includes an easy-to-use common symptom section for hypertension and hypotension and the recommended parameters to make clear interpretations. The need for medical intervention may arise from this.

Step 3: Store the template securely

After reviewing the results, you need to secure the blood pressure chart so that access is only granted to relevant parties. As blood pressure is a commonly recorded result, medical practitioners and patients need easy access to the blood pressure chart.

Ensure this through Carepatron's HIPAA-compliant free patient records software. It allows you to safely store and collate all relevant medical records for ease and security.

When would you use this pregnancy blood pressure chart?

Blood pressure tests are routinely used throughout pregnancy as a standard part of prenatal care. Monitoring blood pressure is crucial during pregnancy to detect and manage potential complications. Here are some common scenarios when blood pressure range during pregnancy charts are typically conducted:

Routine prenatal visits

Blood pressure is often measured at every prenatal appointment to ensure it remains within the normal range. This regular monitoring helps identify any significant changes early on and offers the opportunity to provide good preventive care.

Symptoms of low or high blood pressure

If a pregnant patient experiences symptoms such as severe headaches, visual disturbances, abdominal pain, or swelling in the hands and face, healthcare providers may check blood pressure to assess if it's a result of abnormal blood pressure levels. It is also important to recognize symptoms of low blood pressure, as it can require medical attention and management. The presence of hypertension and hypotension can put both patient and child at risk of a preterm pregnancy, placental abruption, and preeclampsia.

High-risk pregnancies

Women with pre-existing conditions such as chronic hypertension or gestational diabetes may require more frequent blood pressure monitoring to manage potential complications. This may be carried out at home, and the levels may be charted via a sharable and secure blood pressure pregnancy chart.

Previous pregnancy complications

If a woman has experienced complications related to high blood pressure in a previous pregnancy, monitoring may be more intensive in subsequent pregnancies with at-home, regular charting encouraged.

Signs of preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a condition characterized by high blood pressure and other organ-related complications.  Sudden weight gain, especially when accompanied by swelling in the face and hands, is also a significant symptom of preeclampsia. Low-dose aspirin is often recommended to reduce the risk of preeclampsia for pregnant individuals at high risk. Monitoring blood pressure is crucial for early detection and management of preeclampsia.

In the third trimester

Blood pressure may be monitored more frequently in the third trimester as the risk of developing gestational hypertension or preeclampsia increases. Mild hypertension can progress to severe hypertension, which underscores the importance of careful monitoring. Regular blood pressure tests help healthcare providers identify and manage any issues promptly, ensuring the well-being of both the mother and the baby.

Medication management

Should a pregnant patient be prescribed blood pressure medication, regular testing is required to monitor pressure levels to ensure that the intervention is effective.

Understanding blood pressure results

Monitoring blood pressure is a crucial aspect of prenatal care. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure are recorded. Blood pressure is typically classified into five sections to define parameters and severity. While these categories remain the same for pregnant patients, they may present different risks and symptoms compared to non-pregnant individuals. Here is the classification of blood pressure based on the results (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2022; American Heart Association, 2017):

Normal range

Blood pressure numbers below 120/80 mm Hg are considered normal. If the results fall within this range, maintain heart-healthy habits, including a balanced diet and regular exercise. This can ensure they do not develop high blood pressure.

Elevated

Elevated blood pressure is indicated through measures ranging from 120-129 systolic blood pressure to less than 80 mm Hg diastolic. Without intervention, individuals with elevated blood pressure are at risk of developing high blood pressure and subsequently developing hypertension.

Hypertension stage 1

Hypertension Stage 1 is characterized by blood pressure consistently ranging from 130 to 139 systolic or 80 to 89 mm Hg diastolic. At this stage, healthcare professionals are likely to recommend lifestyle changes and may consider prescribing blood pressure medication based on the pregnant patient's risk of developing hypertension. The risk of less blood flow to the placenta, interrupted fetal growth, and premature delivery are all factors to consider.

Hypertension stage 2

Hypertension Stage 2 occurs when blood pressure consistently reads 140/90 mm Hg or higher. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to prescribe a combination of blood pressure medications and lifestyle changes at this stage. Hypertension may be present if the patient shows symptoms of flushed skin, swelling of hands and feet, headaches, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and vision changes. This amount is typically considered the threshold for medical intervention.

Hypertension crisis

A hypertensive crisis demands immediate medical attention. If blood pressure readings exceed 180/120 mm Hg, wait five minutes, then retest. If the readings remain high, contact your healthcare professional promptly.

In cases where blood pressure is higher than 180/120 mm Hg, and signs of organ damage are present, such as chest pain, back pain, shortness of breath, numbness or weakness, vision changes, or difficulty speaking, medical assistance is required immediately.

References

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2022, April). Preeclampsia and high blood pressure during pregnancy. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/preeclampsia-and-high-blood-pressure-during-pregnancy

American Heart Association. (2017). Hypertensive crisis: When you should call 9-1-1 for high blood pressure. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings/hypertensive-crisis-when-you-should-call-911-for-high-blood-pressure