Portable blood pressure monitoring for borderline or mild hypertension during pregnancy.

Several advantages are apparent in the use of self-monitored or automatic ambulatory blood pressure monitoring by pregnant patients who appear to have borderline or mild hypertension. Home recordings, combined with conventional office measurements, can give a more accurate picture of the patient's dynamic blood pressure. Blood pressures are often lower outside the physician's office, probably because of the patient's increased awareness and decreased anxiety in other settings. When blood pressures are normal at home, the patient may be able to avoid antihypertensive therapy, antepartum hospitalization, and intervention during her pregnancy. Monitoring at home or work also provides a more thorough screening for preeclampsia, especially with patients who have chronic hypertension or other predisposing conditions.