High blood pressure is potentially a danger to many pregnancies. One of the complications is pre-eclampsia, which can lead to the death of mother and the baby.
This is why regular monitoring of a pregnant woman’s blood pressure is recommended. However, errors to BP readings are as dangerous as the condition itself.
Easily operated, validated electronic blood pressure devices are becoming increasingly available and accessible for self-monitoring of blood pressure (SMBP). It is becoming more helpful in decision-making regarding treatment and effective blood pressure control.
Indeed, emerging evidence supports the beneficial impact of personal monitoring automated devices in the regular measurement and recording of blood pressure by an individual outside of the hospital.
However, there is a caveat. Researchers believe that commonly used arm positions for blood pressure measurement will give wrong readings when the arm is not supported, say on a table or a flat surface…