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Journal article

Current prevalence of self-monitoring of blood pressure during pregnancy: the BUMP Survey

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To understand the current prevalence of, and attitudes to, self-monitoring of blood pressure (BP) during pregnancy.

METHODS: 5555 pregnant women from antenatal clinics in 16 hospitals in England were invited to complete a survey.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the proportion of women currently BP self-monitoring. Secondary outcomes included self-monitoring schedules and women’s interactions with clinicians regarding self-monitoring. Population characteristics including risk factors for pre-eclampsia, ethnicity and deprivation level were considered.

RESULTS: Completed surveys were received and analysed from 5181 pregnant women (93% response rate). Comparison to hospital demographic data suggests that respondents were representative of the UK population. 983/5181 (19%) of women were currently self-monitoring their BP, comprising 189/389 (49%) hypertensive women and 794/4792 (17%) normotensive women. However, only 482/983 (49%) reported ever sharing this information with antenatal care teams. Of those who self-monitored, 68% (668/983) were able to provide a previous BP reading, compared to 1% (67/5181) of those who did not self-monitor.

CONCLUSION: Many women are now choosing to self-monitor their BP during pregnancy and clinicians should enquire about this proactively and consider providing better information on BP monitoring. Those who self-monitor appear to have better knowledge about their blood pressure. If these findings were replicated nationwide, around 125,000 pregnant women would be currently self-monitoring BP in the UK, yet only half of these women may communicate their readings to their antenatal care teams, suggesting a missed opportunity for enhanced care. Current trials will make the place of self-monitoring in pregnancy clearer.

Publication status:
Published
Peer review status:
Peer reviewed

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Files:
Publisher copy:
10.1097/HJH.0000000000002734

Authors


More by this author
Institution:
University of Oxford
Division:
MSD
Sub department:
Primary Care Health Sciences
Oxford college:
Green Templeton College
Role:
Author
ORCID:
0000-0001-6544-8066
More by this author
Division:
MSD
Department:
Primary Care Health Sciences
Role:
Author
More by this author
Division:
MSD
Department:
Primary Care Health Sciences
Role:
Author
More by this author
Institution:
University of Oxford
Division:
MSD
Department:
Primary Care Health Sciences
Role:
Author
More by this author
Institution:
University of Oxford
Division:
MSD
Department:
Primary Care Health Sciences
Role:
Author
ORCID:
0000-0002-9258-4060


Publisher:
Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
Journal:
Journal of Hypertension More from this journal
Volume:
39
Issue:
5
Pages:
994-1001
Publication date:
2021-04-07
Acceptance date:
2020-11-10
DOI:
EISSN:
1473-5598
ISSN:
0263-6352


Language:
English
Keywords:
Pubs id:
1141541
Local pid:
pubs:1141541
Deposit date:
2020-11-10

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