New Delhi: A simple blood pressure test, often completed in less than two minutes, can play a crucial role in protecting both mother and child during pregnancy, doctors have warned.
Health experts say many pregnant women focus on diet, rest and foetal growth, but tend to ignore routine blood pressure checks when they do not feel any discomfort. However, high blood pressure during pregnancy can quietly develop without clear symptoms and may turn serious if not detected in time.
According to the World Health Organization, hypertension-related complications during pregnancy, especially preeclampsia, are among the major causes of maternal deaths globally.
Dr Renu Raina Sehgal, Chairperson, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Artemis Hospital, said that a digital or manual BP monitor is used to check systolic and diastolic pressure. The process takes less than two minutes, but helps doctors understand how the body is adjusting during pregnancy.
In some cases, doctors also conduct a roll-over test, particularly between 28 and 32 weeks of pregnancy. Dr Vinati Maniar, Consultant Gynaecologist at Pinky Promise, explained that in this test, the woman first lies on her left side and then turns onto her back. If the diastolic blood pressure rises by 20 mmHg or more, it may be considered a warning sign.
Doctors say uncontrolled high BP can reduce blood flow to the placenta, limiting oxygen and nutrition supply to the baby. This may increase the risk of low birth weight, premature delivery, seizures and other complications.
Experts add that BP monitoring should be supported by urine albumin tests, blood markers such as uric acid and creatinine, and platelet count. The message is clear: during pregnancy, even a small test should not be treated as a formality.
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