Is there any way to check your BP yourself at home?

Julia-Henry

just wondering if it's possible to rent a machine or something.. I have PIH issues and I think it's probably better for everyone if I can find a way to check for myself, instead of turning up at the OB's office or L&D every time I'm worried.

Any ideas? I have an appt on Thursday so will ask then, but what does your doc recommend?

Married2MrWright

We own an at-home monitor (it's my mom's...she has Type II Diabetes)...it runs about $50:

https://www.jr.com/omron/pe/MSH_HEM712C/

BTW, love your LO's name! We're having a Libby too!  (Elizabeth Joan...although Elizabeth Louise was one of our considerations!)

calalily416

My grandparents have a digital monitor-- all you have to do is squeeze the ball yourself, andt then the reading comes up.  I have been using it since before New Years. Be sure to discuss this with your doctor, too-- mine specifically said to not "go crazy with it" and they gave me specific instructions on when to take, etc.  I am on mod bedrest now, but before it was "official" I wanted to check itmyself.  i still take it when I've been up showering or getting food and such- maybe 2x a day- I also recheck tomakesure it goes down when I lay down.  That is the biggest issue for me, at this point- as long as it goes down I am good- when it no longer does, they would induce immediately.

Good luck with it- I know it is not fun! The best thing you can do is try and relax about it.  (although it can be easier said than done!)

JillAly

For my last pregnancy, my BP started to spike so my doctor had me buy a digital BP machine and take it at home daily.  You can buy it at most drug stores or medical supply store.

I will tell you that digital is not as great as the way the doctor does it.  I could take my BP three times in a row and it would be different each time but it gives a basic idea of where you are.  When I was in the hospital with BP issues, the same thing would happen when they took my BP with the digital model.  I always made them do it the old fashioned way if it was really high.

Breezy.Lives

JillAly:

I will tell you that digital is not as great as the way the doctor does it.  I could take my BP three times in a row and it would be different each time but it gives a basic idea of where you are.  When I was in the hospital with BP issues, the same thing would happen when they took my BP with the digital model.  I always made them do it the old fashioned way if it was really high.

This is because your blood pressure will go up if you take it multiple times in a row.  I'm pretty sure it has to do with the pressure you put on your arm/blood flow each time you take your blood pressure.  I was always told that I needed to wait 10 minutes between readings.

I've had an Omron digital for about 5 years.  Omron was the brand recommended by my specialist at the time and I've been very happy with the monitor.  I take my blood pressure a few times a week when not pregnant and took it daily in my first trimester and multiple times a day by my third.

The readings have been verified at appointments a few times a year and I haven't had a problem yet.

There is a whole "method" to taking your blood pressure to get an accurate reading.  I can't remember what it's called, but you basically need to sit for 7-10 minutes with your arm at about heart height, feet flat on the ground.

jenniemarie3

I also have an Omron BP monitor.  That was recommended at a conference by a hypertension specialist.  It does the job.  I think it was $50  at Walmart.

bump54321

Breezy.Lives:

JillAly:

I will tell you that digital is not as great as the way the doctor does it.  I could take my BP three times in a row and it would be different each time but it gives a basic idea of where you are.  When I was in the hospital with BP issues, the same thing would happen when they took my BP with the digital model.  I always made them do it the old fashioned way if it was really high.

This is because your blood pressure will go up if you take it multiple times in a row.  I'm pretty sure it has to do with the pressure you put on your arm/blood flow each time you take your blood pressure.  I was always told that I needed to wait 10 minutes between readings.

I've had an Omron digital for about 5 years.  Omron was the brand recommended by my specialist at the time and I've been very happy with the monitor.  I take my blood pressure a few times a week when not pregnant and took it daily in my first trimester and multiple times a day by my third.

The readings have been verified at appointments a few times a year and I haven't had a problem yet.

There is a whole "method" to taking your blood pressure to get an accurate reading.  I can't remember what it's called, but you basically need to sit for 7-10 minutes with your arm at about heart height, feet flat on the ground.

 

This, This and This.

 

I have the Omron.  It is an automatic, electronic, digital cuff.  You just put it on, push a button and it does all the work for you.  I took it to my OB's office to check it against their cuff just make sure it was reading correctly, and it was.  Since I've starting having bp issues and I'm on bed rest with bp medicine, I've chosen 4 times per day that I check mine at home.

JillAly

Actually, my BP would go down each time - not up.  I felt that telling myself to relax and controlling my breathing made a difference.  But I believe you that compressing the arm could make it go up-- it just didn't for me.

arthist24

Check with your insurance company too.  Mine covered the cost of my at home bp monitor b/c my dr. wrote me a prescription for it.  Even though they are relatively inexpensive, it might be worth the phone call. 

jmrussell03

You can get one at any drugstore like PP's say. I would take it to your OB office though and see how close the readings are to what they get. Or, you could go to a pharmacy and check it. They can be inaccurate though too. I know Walmart has one.

 

Mrs. Braxton

I got a digital bp monitor at cvs for $30.