Question

Consider Nevaeh’s blood pressure (BP 138/87 mm Hg) result and discuss whether the mean arterial pressure is likely to vary during pregnancy. In your answer you must include reference to a change in vessel length due to her pregnancy and briefly mention the consequences of any changes in BP upon kidney function.

Answer 1

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), a normal blood pressure reading is 120/80 mm Hg and below. Readings below 90/60 mm Hg indicate low blood pressure, or hypotension. Readings above 140/90 mm Hg in pregnancy indicate high blood pressure, or hypertension.

Gestational hypertension is high blood pressure that develop while in pregnancy period.... But it does raise risk of high blood pressure in the future. It sometimes can be severe, which may lead to low birth weight or preterm birth. Some women with gestational hypertension do go on to develop preeclampsia.

To prevent maternal complications and maintain adequate uteroplacental perfusion, maternal BP is usually maintained at about 140/90 mmHg. Treatment is mandatory if BP >160/110 mmHg because of the risk of maternal cerebral haemorrhage and placental abruption. In the presence of CKD; aim for BP <140/90 mmHg.