Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026

Disruption of the Mouse Blood-Brain Barrier by Small Extracellular Vesicles from Hypoxic Human Placentas
Published on: January 26, 2024
Blood pressure rises more in pre-eclampsia than normal pregnancy when acral skin is locally cooled
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Oslo University Hospital , Oslo , Norway .
Objective:
Investigate blood pressure response to acral skin vasoconstriction in healthy and pre-eclamptic pregnancies.
Methods:
Healthy women were investigated from gestational week 8 to 52 weeks postpartum and pre-eclampsia subjects at diagnosis. Finger artery ultrasound Doppler, forearm laser Doppler fluximetry and photoplethysmographic blood pressure were recorded. Hand cooling to 19 °C induced vasoconstriction.
Results:
Acral skin vasoconstriction increases blood pressure from 16 weeks until 12 weeks postpartum (p ≤ 0.01), with greatest responses in pre-eclampsia (p=0.047). Forearm skin perfusion is higher in pre-eclampsia (p=0.04).
Conclusion:
Acral skin vasoconstriction raises blood pressure in pregnancy, particularly in pre-eclampsia. Pregnancy accentuates important functional differences within skin.
Related Concept Videos
Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
Measurement of Blood Pressure
Hormonal Regulation
Sites for measuring blood pressure
The Brachial Artery: Primary Site for Blood Pressure Measurement
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure
Alterations in Blood Pressure
Hypertension (High blood pressure)
Hypertension occurs when blood pressure readings consistently exceed the normal range. It is diagnosed when systolic blood pressure (the top number, indicating pressure while the heart beats)...
