Can Monitoring Blood Pressure at Home Help Save Mothers’ Lives?
High blood pressure in pregnancy is more than just a medical note on a chart—it’s one of the leading causes of maternal death worldwide. In fact, it accounts for about one in six maternal deaths. And the numbers are climbing.
In the U.S., both chronic high blood pressure and pregnancy-related hypertension are on the rise. That’s troubling, because high blood pressure is the key driver behind preeclampsia a dangerous condition that can strike late in pregnancy or in the weeks after birth.
But new research offers hope: checking blood pressure at home with support from a care team could make a real difference.
What is preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is more than just high blood pressure. It can come with:
Severe headaches
Changes in vision (like flashing lights or blurred vision)
Problems with kidney or liver function
Left unchecked, it can lead to life-threatening complications for both mom and baby.
Why are rates going up?
Several factors seem to be fueling the rise:
More women are entering pregnancy with chronic hypertension.Obesity and older maternal age (both on the rise in the U.S.) also increase the risk.
Add to that the reality that most maternal deaths in the U.S. happen not during delivery, but in the postpartum weeks a time when follow-up care often drops off.
What the new study found
In a study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology, researchers gave women who had pregnancy-related hypertension a blood pressure cuff to use at home after giving birth. Here’s what happened:
42% needed to start or adjust blood pressure medication.
15% required hospital care because of worsening symptoms.
88% showed up for their postpartum visit (far higher than average).
94% reported being highly satisfied with home monitoring.
The system was simple: women texted their readings to a care team, who could then recommend medication changes or urgent visits if needed.
For new moms who are already juggling recovery, sleep deprivation, and a newborn this approach removed a huge barrier: constant clinic trips.
Why the “fourth trimester” matters
What’s powerful about this study is its focus on the postpartum period, often called the fourth trimester. It’s a critical window that’s too often overlooked.
Preeclampsia doesn’t just affect a mother’s immediate recovery it also nearly doubles her risk of heart disease later in life. That means postpartum care is not only about surviving those first fragile weeks but protecting long-term health.
The takeaway
For women with pregnancy-related high blood pressure, home blood pressure monitoring with team support can be a lifesaver. It catches complications early, helps avoid unnecessary hospitalizations, and ensures new moms don’t fall through the cracks when they’re most vulnerable.
If you have high blood pressure during pregnancy, talk to your doctor about whether home monitoring is right for you. Caring for your baby starts with caring for yourself especially in those first weeks after birth.
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