Checking your own blood pressure during pregnancy
We are introducing blood pressure self-monitoring for those of you who would benefit, as agreed by your consultant. The information in this page will help guide you through how to check your own blood pressure.
On this page
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You may be asked to self-monitor your blood pressure
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How to take your blood pressure at home
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Video - How to take your blood pressure
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Your blood pressure reading
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How to upload BP results to Badger
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Symptoms of pre-eclampsia
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Do I need to check my urine for protein?
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Video - How to take a urine sample
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What do I do after the birth of my baby?
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Contact information
You may be asked to self-monitor your blood pressure
- If you have chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension (raised blood pressure during pregnancy only) or pre-eclampsia you will need your blood pressure checked more regularly.
- Similarly, if you have normal blood pressure but have chronic kidney disease, autoimmune disease or have had high blood pressure in a previous pregnancy, you may need frequent blood pressure checks.
How to take your blood pressure at home
Your doctor or midwife will tell you when and how often they would like you to check your own blood pressure.
- Wait at least 1 hour after taking any blood pressure medicine before checking.
- Make sure your clothing is not tight around your arm.
- Sit in a chair with both feet flat on the floor.
- Rest calmly for 5 minutes before starting.
- Put the cuff on your arm as shown in the device instructions.
- The bottom edge of the cuff should sit 2cm above the inside of your elbow.
- Rest your arm on a table or across your lap, palm facing up.
- Take your blood pressure as directed by the device.
- Stay quiet while the cuff is inflating and measuring.
- Wait 1 minute, then take a second reading.
- Enter both readings into BadgerNotes.
Video - How to take your blood pressure
Your blood pressure reading
The table below is adapted from the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology blood pressure guidance and informs you what your reading means and what action you should take.
| Level | Blood Pressure /mmHG | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Severe |
Systolic 160 or more OR Diastolic 110 or more |
Your blood pressure is high please call the maternity advice line for urgent review in triage. |
| Raised |
Systolic 140 to 159 OR Diastolic 90 to 109 |
Your blood pressure is raised. Sit quietly for 5 minutes then measure it again and note the reading. If your repeated reading is raised please call the maternity helpline to arrange a review in triage. |
| High Normal |
Systolic 135-139 OR Diastolic 85-89 |
Your blood pressure is normal but moving towards the raised threshold. Sit quietly for 5 minutes then measure it again and note the reading. If your repeat reading is still high end of normal, please monitor your blood pressure daily. If high normal for a second day please contact the maternity advice line. |
| Normal |
Systolic 110-134 AND Diastolic 70-84 |
Your blood pressure is normal. Continue blood pressure monitoring and your current care. |
| Low |
Systolic 109 or less AND Diastolic 69 or less |
If you are not taking blood pressure medications: Your blood pressure is normal. If you are feeling well this blood pressure does not need any further action. If you are taking blood pressure medication: Your blood pressure is low. Repeat once more in 5 minutes. If your repeat reading is still low, contact the maternity advice line who will arrange an appointment within 24 hours or within 4 hours if you feel unwell (e.g. dizzy or faint). |
After you have entered your blood pressure readings into BadgerNotes, you will see a message telling you what to do next based on your results. For example, it may ‘say sit for 5 minutes and check again’ or ‘call the maternity advice line’.
A member of your care team will also check your results on BadgerNotes and will get in touch if there is anything to be concerned about.
To ensure your blood pressure results are being monitored at the right times, we ask that you do your blood pressure on a Tuesday and/or a Friday before 11:00 am unless informed differently.
Any results outside of these times are not monitored and if you have concerns relating to your blood pressure or symptoms of pre-eclampsia you will need to call the maternity advice line on 0300 422 5541.
How to upload BP results to Badger
Symptoms of pre-eclampsia
If you have any following symptoms, please call the maternity helpline:
- If you have headaches.
- If you have problems with your eyesight such as blurred vision or flashing lights.
- If you have pain at the top of your stomach.
- If you get swelling in your hands, feet or face that is sudden or severe.
- If you are feeling unwell.
- If you have a gut feeling that something is not right.
Do I need to check my urine for protein?
You may be asked to check your urine for protein during pregnancy. If so urine test strips will be provided at your onboarding appointment.
How to do the test:
- Use a clean sample. Do not use your first wee of the morning.
- Wipe your genital area before you wee to avoid mixing in discharge, which can contain protein and give a false result.
- Follow the instructions on the test strips and enter your result into BadgerNotes.
If the test shows protein:
- Try again with a fresh clean sample.
- If protein is still present, call the maternity advice line on 0300 422 5541.
Video - How to take a urine sample
What do I do after the birth of my baby?
- Please bring your blood pressure machine with you when you come to the hospital to have your baby. If that is not possible you can return the machine to your community midwife or drop it off at the day assessment unit.
- If you have any problems returning the machine, please get in touch with your community midwife.
- Returning the machines helps us to lend them to other women who need them.
Contact information
If you require further help or have any concerns about checking your blood pressure, please contact:
Maternity Advice Line
Gloucestershire Royal Hospital
Tel: 0300 422 5541
This advice line is open at all times.