A survey on the measurement of blood pressure in pregnant women and management of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy by the Japan Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy (JSSHP)

Abstract

Aim: A questionnaire survey was conducted by the scientific committee of the Japan Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy (JSSHP) to clarify whether the measurement of blood pressure in pregnant women and management of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy differ between obstetricians. Methods: We distributed anonymous questionnaires to 624 members of the JSSHP by mail in May 2019. Results: Valid responses were obtained from 206 obstetricians. The majority of obstetricians used an automatic sphygmomanometer to screen for hypertension in clinical settings. Home blood pressure measurements were used by 97% of obstetricians to diagnose white coat hypertension. However, blood pressure measurements performed by many obstetricians in clinical and non-clinical settings did not comply with standards for non-pregnant adults. Furthermore, blood pressure goals in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy varied among obstetricians. Conclusions: In Japan, an automatic sphygmomanometer in clinical settings and home blood pressure measurements in non-clinical settings are commonly used in practice for pregnant women. However, obstetricians may need to be re-educated on how to perform correct blood pressure measurements in these settings. Further evidence is needed to establish appropriate blood pressure goals in pregnant women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.