Is that BP normal?
Having your blood pressure taken is one of those non-invasive tests that don’t worry you until your doctor or midwife frowns, re-inflates the cuff, takes it again, and leaves you to relax for 10 minutes before taking it again. What now? Too high? Too low? Is it serious? Is there something you can do? Here are some answers to the questions you may be asking.
NORMAL, OR NOT?
A BP reading reflects the pressure at which the heart beats (called the systolic reading) and relaxes (the diastolic reading). A normal BP is 120/80 or 110/70. BP lower or higher than normal is not an illness per se but – especially during pregnancy – it’s an indication that there’s apossible problem that needs attention. It should be taken seriously.
Your BP will be taken at every ante-natal visit. It will be monitored throughout labour, after the birth and while you’re in hospital.
Both a sphygmomanometer and stethoscope are used. The former has an inflatable cuff that temporarily stops the blood flow, and the mercury gauge measures the pressure at which the blood
