At Home Blood Pressure Monitoring for Pre-eclampsia

At-Home Blood Pressure Monitoring for Preeclampsia 

Chesapeake Regional offers a remote blood pressure monitoring program to help manage preeclampsia and hypertensive disorders during and after pregnancy. 

Take Control of Your Pregnancy: Managing High Blood Pressure at Home 

Key Takeaways: Managing a hypertensive disorder during pregnancy, like preeclampsia, requires consistent oversight. If you are pregnant or have recently given birth, you can take an active role in your health with at-home blood pressure monitoring. Here's what you need to know: 

Partner with Your Provider for a Healthier Pregnancy 

A diagnosis of a hypertensive disorder during pregnancy can feel overwhelming, adding a layer of uncertainty to an already life-changing experience. When you're busy preparing for a new baby, the last thing you want is the stress of managing a high-risk pregnancy with frequent trips to the doctor's office. The good news is that modern health care offers solutions that fit your life. At-home blood pressure monitoring gives you the power to track your health in partnership with your care team, providing a clear, real-time picture of your well-being from the comfort of your home. This technology is a cornerstone of proactive prenatal and postpartum care, helping to protect both you and your baby. 

At Chesapeake Regional Healthcare, we have a remote blood pressure monitoring program designed for expectant and new mothers. It combines the convenience of modern technology with the compassionate expertise of our providers, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way. 

Understand Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy 

Pregnancy brings a host of changes to your body, and for some, that includes changes to blood pressure. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a group of conditions characterized by high blood pressure, with preeclampsia being one of the most well-known. Preeclampsia is a serious condition that typically develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy and can also occur in the postpartum period. According to the CDC, it happens in about 5 to 7 percent of all pregnancies, making it a relatively common complication. 

What makes these conditions so concerning is their potential impact on both mother and baby. The CDC also notes that in the United States, preeclampsia occurs at a rate 60 percent higher in black women than in white women, highlighting critical health disparities that demand focused attention and accessible care. Awareness is the first step. By understanding what these conditions are and recognizing their seriousness, you can become your own best advocate. Regular monitoring becomes less of a chore and more of a powerful tool for self-care and communication with your provider. 

Recognize the Risks and Respond Proactively 

A diagnosis of preeclampsia or another hypertensive disorder requires a proactive approach because the risks are significant. Unmanaged high blood pressure during pregnancy can lead to a cascade of complications. These include the risk of stroke for the mother, kidney failure and placental abruption, a serious condition where the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus before birth. For the baby, these conditions can lead to early labor, low birth weight and in the most severe cases, stillbirth. 

This information isn't meant to cause alarm but to underscore the importance of consistent management. When you and your provider have accurate, regular blood pressure readings, you can make informed decisions together. This data helps guide your treatment plan, which might include medication adjustments, lifestyle recommendations or determining the best time for delivery. By actively participating in at-home blood pressure monitoring, you transform anxiety into action, directly contributing to a safer pregnancy and a healthier outcome for you and your child. 

Embrace the Simplicity of Remote Patient Monitoring 

Life doesn't stop when you're pregnant. You may be juggling work, family responsibilities and preparing for your new arrival. Our remote patient monitoring program is designed to integrate seamlessly into your routine. If you are diagnosed with a hypertensive disorder, your doctor can refer you to the supportive care team at Chesapeake Regional Healthcare. Once enrolled, we overnight a kit directly to your home. Inside, you'll find a Bluetooth-enabled blood pressure cuff and simple setup instructions. 

Most patients report that getting started takes just a few minutes. The process is straightforward: you take your blood pressure as directed by your care team, and the cuff automatically sends the reading to them. There are no complicated logs to keep or numbers to remember. This technology bridges the gap between appointments, giving your provider the data they need to oversee your health without requiring you to constantly travel to the clinic. It is a modern solution that respects your time and empowers you to be an active participant in your own care.