How Home Blood Pressure Checks Are Helping Keep Parents and Babies Safer.
High blood pressure disorders, like gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, are some of the most common and concerning pregnancy complications today. Over the last five years, more healthcare providers have encouraged pregnant individuals to use at-home blood pressure (BP) monitors as part of routine prenatal care. This simple tool is becoming one of the most powerful ways to support safer pregnancies
Why At-Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Is Growing
There has been a steady rise in hypertensive disorders during pregnancy across the United States, and more providers are identifying the need for earlier detection. Research shows that checking blood pressure at home allows pregnant individuals to notice changes sooner and report concerns before symptoms become severe.
The COVID-19 pandemic also accelerated this trend as telehealth became a common part of prenatal care. Even as in-person visits returned, home monitoring remained an important piece of ongoing pregnancy safety.
How Home Monitoring Helps
Keeping a home BP cuff nearby is more than convenient, it can help save lives. Home monitoring:
01
Helps detect problems early
Conditions like preeclampsia can develop quickly. Spotting elevated numbers earlier allows providers to respond faster.
02
Supports telehealth and hybrid prenatal care
Many appointments, especially for low-risk pregnancies, can be done by phone or video if accurate home BP readings are available.
03
Empowers parents to take an active role
Measuring blood pressure at home builds confidence and helps parents learn what’s normal for their body.
04
Reduces unnecessary emergency visits
Instead of guessing whether a symptom is “just pregnancy,” home readings offer clear data to share with a provider.
What Providers Recommend
Most providers recommend validated, automatic upper-arm blood pressure monitors for pregnancy. Parents are often taught how to take readings correctly, including:
- Sitting upright with both feet on the floor
- Resting for several minutes before taking a reading
- Keeping the cuff at heart level
- Avoiding caffeine or exercise right before a measurement
Healthcare teams sometimes ask families to track their numbers daily or several times per week, depending on risk factors.
Who Benefits Most
While every pregnant person can benefit from home monitoring, it is especially helpful for those who:
- Have a history of preeclampsia
- Have chronic hypertension
- Are carrying multiples
- Are experiencing swelling, headaches, or visual changes
- Have limited access to in-person prenatal care
Home monitoring is also a recommended tool for postpartum parents because high blood pressure can occur after birth as well.
A Growing Trend in Pregnancy Safety
As more research continues to highlight the effectiveness of at-home monitoring, it’s becoming a standard part of modern prenatal care. The goal is simple: to help families feel informed, supported, and safe throughout pregnancy and beyond.
Luxe Maternity Concierge encourages every expectant parent to speak with their healthcare provider about whether home blood pressure monitoring is right for them. When combined with regular prenatal care and education, this tool can make a meaningful difference in pregnancy outcomes.
References
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2020–2024). Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy Practice Bulletins.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Hypertension in Pregnancy Data & Trends.
American Heart Association (AHA). (2021–2024). Guidelines for Self-Monitored Blood Pressure.
Hirshberg, A., et al. (2021). Home blood pressure monitoring in pregnancy: A systematic review. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Brown, M. et al. (2023). Remote blood pressure monitoring for pregnancy hypertension: Emerging best practices. Obstetrics & Gynecology.
