Monitoring your blood pressure at home after birth
If you have had high blood pressure (hypertension) during pregnancy or birth, you will be asked to monitor your blood pressure at home after you have given birth. You will need to do this for at least 7 days. Find out how to measure your blood pressure and when to contact your healthcare provider.
How to measure your blood pressure
1
Prepare
- Use the same arm each time (usually the left).
- Wear loose clothing that allows easy access to your upper arm.
- Sit comfortably with your back supported and both feet flat on the floor.
- Rest for 5 minutes before taking a reading.
1
Prepare
- Use the same arm each time (usually the left).
- Wear loose clothing that allows easy access to your upper arm.
- Sit comfortably with your back supported and both feet flat on the floor.
- Rest for 5 minutes before taking a reading.
2
Place the cuff
- Slide the cuff onto your bare upper arm with the tube pointing toward your wrist.
- Position the cuff so the bottom edge is about 2 cm above the inside of your elbow.
- Tighten the cuff snugly using the fastener.
2
Place the cuff
- Slide the cuff onto your bare upper arm with the tube pointing toward your wrist.
- Position the cuff so the bottom edge is about 2 cm above the inside of your elbow.
- Tighten the cuff snugly using the fastener.
3
Take the reading
- Rest your arm on a table or your lap, palm facing upward.
- Press the start button on your blood pressure machine.
- Remain still and silent until the measurement is complete.
3
Take the reading
- Rest your arm on a table or your lap, palm facing upward.
- Press the start button on your blood pressure machine.
- Remain still and silent until the measurement is complete.
4
Record the results
- Take 2 readings, at least 1 minute apart.
- You will need to keep a record of the readings.
4
Record the results
- Take 2 readings, at least 1 minute apart.
- You will need to keep a record of the readings.
Understanding your readings
Blood pressure readings are made up of 2 numbers:
- Systolic (SYS): The top number, indicating pressure when the heart beats.
- Diastolic (DIA): The bottom number, indicating pressure when the heart rests between beats.
What to do once you have taken your readings
- SYS: 109 or lower
- DIA: 69 or lower
- Action:
-
- If you are not on medication and feel well, no action is needed.
- If you are on medication, take your blood pressure again after 5 minutes. If still low, contact your healthcare provider within 24 hours. If you feel unwell (dizzy or faint), contact your healthcare provider.
- SYS: 110 to 139
- DIA: 70 to 89
- Action: Continue monitoring and take any prescribed medication as directed.
- SYS: 140 to 149
- DIA: 90 to 99
- Action: Sit quietly for 5 minutes, then retake your blood pressure. If it is still raised, contact your healthcare provider within 24 hours.
- SYS: 150 or higher
- DIA: 100 or higher
- Action: Sit quietly for 5 minutes, then take your blood pressure again. If still high, contact your healthcare provider within 4 hours. If you have headaches or pain in the top of your tummy, call 111 or go to your nearest Accident and Urgent Medical Care (A&E).
Accident and Urgent Medical Care (A&E) - Healthpoint
When seek medical advice
Go to your nearest Accident and Urgent Medical Care (A&E) if you have:
- a headache that does not get better after taking pain medication with a large glass of water
- visual disturbances (such as floating spots or blurry vision)
- pain in the top of your tummy
- dizziness.
Follow-up care
Visit your healthcare provider 6 weeks after giving birth to check your blood pressure and plan future care. It is important to have this checkup as you may have an increased risk of having high blood pressure in future pregnancies or in later life.