Systolic pressure of 160 mmHg or higher, or diastolic of 110 mmHg or higher, persisting for 15 minutes or more in a pregnant or postpartum woman is an obstetric emergency under standard guidance. Confirm the reading with a correctly sized cuff, repeat it, and start first-line treatment within 30 to 60 minutes, following your unit's protocol.
The point is to treat the number promptly without losing sight of the cause: look for symptoms, check bloods and plan monitoring and delivery timing as for any severe hypertensive disorder.
- Confirm severe-range readings with a repeat measurement and the correct cuff size.
- Start first-line treatment within 30 to 60 minutes if the range persists.
- Check for headache, visual symptoms, epigastric pain and breathlessness.
- Send urgent bloods and plan monitoring as the unit protocol requires.
Why it matters
Delay in treating severe hypertension is a recognised avoidable factor in stroke and eclampsia.
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