High blood pressure during pregnancy can lead to serious health problems for both the mother and the baby. In Tennessee and across the country, this is becoming more common. About 1 in 6 pregnant women in the U.S. experience a hypertensive disorder during delivery. That’s why it’s so important to monitor your blood pressure and get help early if something seems off.
One dangerous condition to know about is preeclampsia, which can happen when blood pressure gets too high during pregnancy. It can cause swelling, headaches, and damage to organs. If not treated, it can be life-threatening. Learn more about preeclampsia and signs to watch for from ACOG: Preeclampsia and High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy.
The Tennessee Department of Health and TennCare are working to help pregnant women stay safe. TennCare now offers free home blood pressure cuffs to pregnant and postpartum members. You can check your blood pressure at home as often as needed. This helps catch problems early. To learn how to get a cuff, visit the TennCare Maternal Health page.
High blood pressure can also affect future health. It raises the risk of heart disease later in life. Between 2018 and 2022, Tennessee saw 189 pregnancy-related deaths and 2,795 cases of severe health issues during delivery. Blood pressure monitoring is one of the easiest ways to lower your risk.
More research indicates that checking blood pressure at home is an effective tool to improve the identification and care for high blood pressure during and after pregnancy. To read more, explore these helpful studies:
- Postpartum Remote Home BP Monitoring – AJOG
- Telehealth & Remote BP Monitoring – AJOG
- Text-Based BP Monitoring – BMJ Quality & Safety
Need help getting a blood pressure cuff? Talk to your doctor. They can request one for you.
Catching high blood pressure early can protect both you and your baby.