Portable electronic devices for self blood pressure measurement during pregnancy

Automatically deflating, battery-operated sphygmomanometers have become commercially available and may enhance the ease and reliability of blood pressure (BP) measurement during pregnancy. In the present study, the reliability of four such devices was compared with a highly accurate Dinamap monitor on 31 healthy pregnant women. Variations between the units were evident. Simultaneous measurements with the Dinamap monitor revealed averaged differences between the systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures to usually be less than 5 mm Hg. These portable electronic devices were also comparable in reliability to a standard, wall-mounted mercury sphygmomanometer (Baumanometer). The readings were not influenced by the person performing the measurement. The most compact electronic unit which was least expensive and most comfortable at peak insufflation was most acceptable to our patients. Portable electronic BP monitoring devices provide a reasonable means for self BP measurement during pregnancy.