Blood Pressure in Pregnancy and Why It Matters More Than You Think

Blood pressure in pregnancy isn’t just another routine check box. It’s one of the most important indicators of how your body is coping with the huge changes of pregnancy, and it can offer early signs of conditions that affect birthing people all over the world. When I support families, this is something we talk about often because understanding your own body truly is empowering.

Most people have heard the word preeclampsia, but very few are taught what it actually means. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication involving high blood pressure and signs of organ stress, most commonly in the liver and kidneys. It can develop suddenly, sometimes with barely noticeable symptoms in the beginning. When it’s caught early, it can often be managed safely. When it’s missed, it can progress into eclampsia, which involves seizures, stroke risk, and can be life threatening. This is exactly why monitoring blood pressure matters so much.

Globally, preeclampsia and eclampsia are major causes of maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. They account for an estimated 10 to 15 percent of maternal deaths worldwide. That number is heartbreaking because so much of this is preventable with consistent monitoring, timely testing, proper care, and the ability for pregnant people to access the support they need. And like so many areas of reproductive health, this issue doesn’t impact everyone equally.

Black, Indigenous, and other marginalized communities face significantly higher rates of preeclampsia and complications. In many countries including Canada, the United States, and the UK, Black birthing people are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy related causes, including hypertensive disorders. Indigenous birthing people face similarly elevated risks, largely tied to systemic racism, lack of culturally safe care, barriers to services, underassessment of symptoms, and being dismissed when they voice concerns. When someone reports swelling, headaches that won’t go away, or decreased fetal movement, the response they receive can literally change the outcome of their pregnancy. No one should have to fight to be heard, especially at a time when their body is giving them clear signals that something is wrong.

Preeclampsia isn’t caused by anything the parent did. It’s not because they didn’t drink enough water or didn’t eat perfectly. It’s a complex medical condition involving the placenta and the body’s vascular system. Early signs can include swelling in the hands and face, headaches that don’t ease with rest or hydration, right sided rib pain, vision changes like flashing lights or blurriness, or a general feeling of unwellness that’s hard to explain. Sometimes there are no symptoms at all. That’s why those quick blood pressure checks at appointments are far more important than they seem.

As your doula, part of my role is helping you understand what these signs mean and supporting you in advocating for timely assessment. You’re allowed to request blood pressure checks. You’re allowed to ask your provider to take your symptoms seriously. You’re allowed to go to triage even if you’re not 100 percent sure something is wrong. And you’re allowed to have someone in your corner who understands both the emotional stress of these possibilities and the practical steps to navigate them.

Pregnancy should be a time of support and safety, not fear or dismissal. Whether you’re in London, Strathroy Caradoc, Sarnia, or the surrounding areas, my birth and postpartum doula services are here to help you understand your body, your risks, and your options. And if you’re someone who learns best through conversation and education, my perinatal education sessions go even deeper into topics like blood pressure, fetal movement, labour preparation, and postpartum recovery, so you feel grounded rather than overwhelmed.

You deserve care that listens. You deserve care that takes your symptoms seriously. You deserve to be supported by people who want you and your baby to be healthy and safe. Understanding blood pressure in pregnancy is one of the simplest and most impactful pieces of that puzzle, and you don’t have to navigate any of it alone.