Weird blood pressure readings?

[KelliHope]

My mom lent me an electric BP machine a long time ago, and I check my BP once a week or so, or any time I feel "weird." My BP has been great all through my pregnancy - except for 2 midwife visits back in the 20-24week range that were higher than normal and they wanted me to keep an eye on it at home - hence borrowing the machine.

Anyway! So, my normal BP is somewhere around 115/70 ish. One day this weekend is was way up to 140/90, but I just took it easy and after laying down a while it was back to 115/70. This morning I was feeling a bit "off" and took it and it was again up to 139/87 and my pulse was through the roof - 130! I had just taken a shower and was sitting on my bed getting dressed, and my pulse looked like I have been for a jog. So I laid right down for an hour and now it's back to normal again and my pulse is fine again too. Is this normal? Think I should put a call into my midwife?

[mamajody]

Slightly elevated BP is normal as you get closer to your EDD. I also have a really elevated heart rate while PG, and that is my normal. If this feels really different to you, (you said weird) then it is probably a good idea to phone it in to the MW. If might be nothing, but at lest they can keep track and recheck you at your appointment.

[andbabymakes4]

I don't like the electronic BP things...I have one and it's always high if I am sitting up but every time my midwife takes my BP it's fine.

[KelliHope]

Originally Posted by andbabymakes4

I don't like the electronic BP things...I have one and it's always high if I am sitting up but every time my midwife takes my BP it's fine.

hmm that actually is true for me as well, it's always higher at home than at the midwife office. . .I thought it was a fluke, but guess it could be something. Thanks for sharing.

[Jojo F.]

Lately I have been getting "rushes" of blood, my heart rate goes up and it almost feels like I have palpitations. Is that what you feel like?

It's most likely due to the volume of blood we have now and that it is getting closer to our EDD's.

If it is really concerning you go ahead and contact your MW. For me, I know it's OK and I ahve been trying to take it easy.

[Keeper at Home]

I would probably contact your MW just to see what she thinks. I just delivered and my BP was up 10-15 points at my prenatal appointment a few days prior. My MW said it was normal to raise shortly before delivery due to increased blood flow and blood vessels constricting in other areas of the body so that more is directed toward your uterus.