How to Take Your Blood Pressure at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide for Pregnancy
Your doctor asked you to monitor your blood pressure at home. Maybe you've done it a few times already, and you're wondering: "Am I doing this right?" That question is entirely normal. Small details—like how you position your arm or how long you sit before taking a reading—can change your numbers. The good news: once you learn the steps, it becomes routine.
Why This Matters Now
Your home blood pressure readings help your care team see patterns between appointments. [Verified] Research shows home and clinic readings agree well when technique is correct (Bowen 2021 OPTIMUM-BP). When you measure the right way, you get readings you can trust. And trust means less anxiety and better information for your doctor.
You're not expected to be perfect from day one. Take your time to get comfortable with the process.
What You Need to Know
To get accurate readings, there are a few key steps to follow. Let's walk through them one at a time.
1. Before You Measure: Getting Ready
What to do:
Avoid caffeine for 30 minutes before measuring
Empty your bladder
Sit quietly for 5 minutes first
Don't measure right after activity or stress
Why it matters: Your blood pressure changes throughout the day. [Inference] Physical activity, stress, and even a full bladder can raise your reading temporarily. The 5-minute rest helps you get a reading that shows your actual baseline—not the stress of rushing to sit down.
Example: If you just walked up stairs or carried groceries, wait. Sit down, take a few breaths, and let your body settle. You may find it helpful to set a timer for 5 minutes and use that time to check their phone or just relax.
2. Positioning Your Body Correctly
What to do:
Sit in a chair with your back supported (not on a couch or bed)
Place both feet flat on the floor—not crossed or tucked under you
Rest your arm on a table or armrest at heart level
Keep your palm facing up
Relax your hand—don't make a fist
Why it matters: [Verified] Positioning affects your reading. If your arm hangs down below heart level, your reading can be 10+ points higher than it should be (ACOG measurement protocols). That's not a small difference—it could change what your doctor recommends.
Example: Imagine sitting at your kitchen table. Your back is against the chair. Your feet are flat on the floor. Your arm rests on the table so your cuff is about level with your heart. You're not slouching or leaning forward. This is the position you want.
Common mistake: Sitting on the couch with your arm hanging at your side. That position can make your reading look worse than it really is.
3. Positioning the Cuff
What to do:
Place the cuff on bare skin (not over clothes)—this helps avoid any interference that clothing can introduce
Position the bottom of the cuff about 1 inch above your elbow crease
Make sure the tubing falls down the inside of your arm
Check the fit before inflating
How to test if the cuff fits well: Before you start measuring, the cuff should not feel tight when you first place it around your upper arm. Here's how to check:
Insert two fingers between the cuff and your arm
Good fit: Two fingers fit comfortably = correct fit
Too loose: Room for 3-4 fingers = tighten the cuff
Too tight: Barely room for 1 finger = loosen the cuff
If adjusting doesn't help, you may need a different cuff size. [Inference] Blood pressure cuffs typically come in two sizes: standard (fits arm circumference 9-13 inches) and large (fits 13-17 inches). Ask your provider or pharmacist which size is right for you.
Why it matters: [Inference] A loose cuff or one placed over clothing can give inaccurate readings. The cuff needs good contact with your bare skin to measure correctly.
Example: Slide the cuff up your bare arm and position it just above your elbow. Before tightening, test the fit with two fingers. If you need help the first few times, ask your nurse or a family member to show you.
4. Taking the Measurement
What to do:
Sit still and stay quiet during the measurement
Don't talk or move
Take 2-3 readings, with 1-2 minutes of rest between each
Record all readings
When to take extra readings: [Inference] If your reading is over 120/80, it's best to repeat the test and record multiple readings to help ensure accuracy with a few more data points. This is especially important if your reading is near or over 140/90.
Why it matters: [Verified] Blood pressure varies from moment to moment. Taking multiple readings and looking at the average gives you a more accurate picture (ACOG PB 202).
Example: Take your first reading. Record it. Rest for 1-2 minutes. Take a second reading. If the first reading was high, don't panic. Rest for a few minutes—set a timer or practice some breathing exercises to help ensure your readings are accurate and not due to temporary factors that may be caused by unrelated stress. Then try again. One elevated reading doesn't mean emergency—it means you need more information.
5. Understanding Your Numbers
What your numbers mean:
Top number (systolic): The pressure when your heart beats
Bottom number (diastolic): The pressure between beats
In pregnancy: 140/90 or higher is the watch line (ACOG PB 202)
What to do with your readings: [Inference] If your reading is below 140/90, continue monitoring as your doctor recommended. If your reading is 140/90 or higher, take another reading after resting. If it's still elevated, call your care team. They'll help you figure out the next step.
Why it matters: Numbers alone don't tell the whole story. Your doctor looks at trends over time—not just one reading. That's why consistent monitoring matters more than any single measurement.
Common Questions
Q: My readings vary a lot from day to day. Is something wrong? A: [Inference] No, this is normal. Blood pressure naturally goes up and down throughout the day. Trends matter more than single readings. Your care team is looking for patterns, not perfection.
Q: I get anxious when I take my blood pressure, and then the reading goes up. What should I do? A: This happens to many women. The 5-minute rest before measuring helps. If you still feel anxious, try measuring at the same time each day—routine can reduce stress. And remember: your care team knows that anxiety can affect readings. They're looking at the bigger picture.
Q: Should I use the same arm every time? A: [Inference] Yes. Your blood pressure can be slightly different in each arm. Use the arm with the higher reading consistently, or ask your provider which arm they recommend.
Q: My cuff doesn't seem to fit right. Does that matter? A: Yes, cuff size matters. If the cuff is too small or too large, it can give inaccurate readings. Check with your provider or pharmacist to make sure you have the right size for your arm.
What to Do With This Information
You now know how to get accurate home blood pressure readings. Here's what to do next:
Practical next steps:
Practice the positioning. The first few times might feel awkward. That's okay. It gets easier.
Once you have a technique that's working well for you, simply repeat it each day. [Inference] Consistency in your method helps you get the most reliable readings over time.
Measure at the same time each day. Many women find morning and evening work best. Routine helps you remember and gives your care team consistent data.
Record every reading—even the "good" ones. Your doctor needs to see the full picture, not just the high readings.
On paper: If this is what you have, write down each reading with the date and time. Keep track over time so you can spot patterns.
Ideally, use an app designed for BP monitoring during pregnancy. This makes it easier to track trends over time, record other potential symptoms (especially if your readings are high and close to 140/90 or greater), and have a way to share your readings with your care team so they can best support your needs.
Share your readings with your care team. Whether you bring a printed report to your appointment or share it digitally, ensure your provider can access your data.
Don't try to interpret everything on your own. If you're unsure what a reading means, contact your care team. That's what they're there for.
You're taking great care of yourself and your baby by monitoring your blood pressure at home. [Inference] This isn't just data collection—it's information that helps your care team make the best decisions for you. Trust your readings when you follow the steps. Trust your care team to help you understand what they mean. And trust yourself—you're doing this right.
If you want to go further, Connura makes it easy to track your readings and share them with your care team. Every reading is saved automatically. You get clear guidance on what your numbers mean. And it is simple to share your data directly with your care team,
