white coat hypertension pregnancy

White coat hypertension in pregnancy is characterized by a temporary increase in blood pressure when measured in a clinical setting, which may normalize when measured at home or in non-medical environments. This phenomenon can impact the health of both the pregnant woman and the fetus, necessitating adequate attention.

Typically, white coat hypertension in pregnancy is associated with the anxiety and stress pregnant women experience in a hospital setting. Research indicates that approximately 10%-20% of pregnant women may experience this condition. For these women, their blood pressure readings during clinic visits could be 10-20 mmHg higher than their actual blood pressure. However, not all women with elevated blood pressure in a hospital setting have white coat hypertension; some may genuinely have hypertension, which requires confirmation through multiple blood pressure assessments.

For managing white coat hypertension in pregnancy, it is advised that pregnant women regularly monitor their blood pressure at home and keep a record of each reading. This practice can assist healthcare providers in gaining a more accurate understanding of the women's blood pressure status, thereby enabling the development of more appropriate treatment plans. Additionally, pregnant women should maintain healthy lifestyle habits, such as a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and stress reduction to lower the risk of hypertension. If a pregnant woman consistently measures elevated blood pressure at home, she should seek medical attention promptly for a health assessment and necessary treatment recommendations.