Measurement of Blood Pressure in Pregnancy

1. Use a bell stethoscope to give optimal amplification of Korotkoff (K) sounds
2. Use the appropriate cuff size. (Too small and BP will be over estimated and too large underestimated)
3. Take measurements with the woman sitting after a period of rest with her arm supported at heart level or in lying position with lateral tilt with arm at heart level
4. During the first inflation of cuff obtain approximate systolic pressure by palpation of radial pulse Inflate cuff to around 20mmHg above the systolic pressure determined by palpation.
5. Systolic pressure is then recorded as the level at which repetitive sounds are first heard.(K1)rounded up to nearest 2mmHg
6. Measure the diastolic pressure at K5, when the sounds disappear.

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