How Can an Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor be utilized During Pregnancy?

Elevated blood pressure is a very common medical problem during pregnancy and it is a significant risk factor of fetal morbidity and cardiovascular disease in women. Using an ambulatory blood pressure monitor, however, can support proper diagnosis and hypertension management.

Elevated blood pressure duing pregnancy requires attention and care. Hypertension not only endangers the pregnant women but it has an effect on the fetus as well, as it decreases the blood flow in the placenta. Conventional office or home blood pressure meters cannot be relied on as they carry out one measurement occasionally only. However, an ambulatory blood pressure monitor provides a more accurate research on the patient's condition as it records more data for a longer period of time, nighttime readings are also included and it provides statistics and important blood pressure indexes for overall, daytime (active) and nighttime (passive) periods as well.

Elevated blood pressure during pregnancy requires attention, as it can be the symptom of preeclampsia or pre-eclamptic toxaemia. Other signs or symptoms include the appearance of protein in the urine, oedema (swelling) of the face and hands, headaches or stomach pains. If this condition remains untreated, it will cause problems both for the fetus and the mother. A poorly functioning placenta won't provide proper blood supply, therefore the baby may not grow as well as it should, and changes in the mother's blood vessels in rare but serious cases may result in stroke.

How can preeclampsia be diagnosed?

It is adviseable to have your blood pressure and urine monitored every 3 months – if necessary an ambulatory blood pressure monitor should also be applied - even if you don't have any symptoms, as life-style changes or proper medication may protect the fetus and contribute to eliminate sometimes serious, life-threathening maternal diseases.

How can preeclampsia be treated?

It is said that the only cure for preeclampsia is delivery. But delivery cannot be an option if it is too early in your pregnancy. More frequent medical visits are recommended, while your doctor may suggest the following medications:

- corticosteroid medication
Corticosteroids can support to extend your pregnancy by enhancing liver and platelet functioning.

- anticonvulsive medications
Anticonvulsant drugs, such as magnesium sulfate, help to prevent seizures.

- antihypertensive medication
Setting up a proper diagnosis is necessary, and to do so, it is highly recommended to rely on an ambulatory blood pressure monitor instead of a conventional blood pressure meter.

Meditech ABPM-05 ambulatory blood pressure monitor is an excellent tool for the diagnosis and control of hypertension. Feel free to contact Meditech or any of its local sales representatives if you need further support.