High Blood Pressure – April 2009 Birth Club
I have a long history of high blood pressure and pregnancy. What your doc will be looking for is a consistently high BP. We can all have a high reading now and then. Hopefully, these high readings will be an isolated case for you. Outside factors can affect your BP. Were you nervous at your appt? Rushing to get there? Did you have caffeine that morning? Any extra stress in your life at the moment?
I know a high BP can make you worry, but try not to stress about it. Worrying will make your BP go up for sure! (I know this from experience.) Try to stay calm and as stress-free as possible.
If it makes you feel better, you can purchase a home BP machine at Walmart for less than $30. I have one, as my doc likes me to keep a daily log to bring to my monthly appts. My doc advised me to take it only once per day when I am calm and rested. Then you can see the whole picture rather than just one reading once per month. (Also, many people have “white coat syndrome” where their BP’s are higher when taken by a doctor, often due to nerves. My BP readings tend to be lower at home when I’m relaxed and always a little higher at the office.)
My doc told me that, with my history, she is not too concerned unless my BP gets closer to 150/100. But, that’s my case and everyone is different! When you talk with your doctor you might want to ask him/her how high of a BP reading would require a call to the doctor. Basically, how high is too high in your case. Hopefully that can give you some peace of mind rather than guessing, given the limited info that he sent you away with at your last visit.
I know it can seem scary. But many pregnant women have high BP, for whatever reason, and most have healthy pregnancies and babies! This is my 3rd pregnancy with BP issues (4th pregnancy total – my 2nd pregnancy had no BP complications) and my two girls were healthy and wonderful at birth and it’s my hopes that this one will be, too.
Good luck. 
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