Pre-eclampsia (PE)

Hypertension in pregnancy can cause serious complications for both mother and child.  PE is a complication of pregnancy that affects approximately 5% of women worldwide.

Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a serious hypertensive condition occurring at mid-pregnancy.  Clinical signs of PE, such as the onset of hypertension, are typically observed after 20 weeks of gestation.  PE can be accompanied by reduced blood flow through the placenta so that the baby receives less oxygen and nutrients.  This can cause low birth weight and other problems for the baby.

Clinically, PE may vary from mild to severe forms, and may require premature delivery.  Due to the unpredictable nature of pre-eclampsia, hypertensive pregnant women must have their blood pressure measured frequently.

Early-onset PE (EOP) develops before 34 weeks of gestation.  Late-onset PE (LOP), develops at 34 weeks of gestation or later.  LOP accounts for about 80 - 95% of all PE cases worldwide and is associated with a high prevalence of eclampsia and HELLP syndrome, both life-threatening complications.  EOP are less common.  It is associated with higher rates of neonatal mortality and maternal morbidity.  EOP and LOP have different implications for both the mother and the baby.

Blood pressure monitors approved for use during pregnancy and PE

Most electronic blood pressure monitors have significant difficulties in measuring blood pressure during pregnancy and especially during pre-eclampsia.  For this reason, healthcare authorities require a specific validation test for automated blood pressure monitors before automated blood pressure devices may be recommended for use during pregnancy.

Ensure that you use a pregnancy validated and approved blood pressure monitor when measuring blood pressure during pregnancy and PE.  Rest assure, all Microlife fully automated upper arm blood pressure monitors are validated and approved for use in pregnancy and PE.