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Updated: Aug 11, 2025

Human Fetal Blood Flow Quantification with Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Motion Compensation
Published on: January 7, 2021
Definition of normal blood pressure at 11 to 14 weeks' gestation according to risk
Yamile L Valenzuela-Muhech1, Alfredo J Cervantes-Ricaud1, Erika R Carrasco-Blancas2
1Departamento de Ginecología y Obstetricia, Hospital Español.
Objective:
To define normal blood pressure at first trimester of pregnancy by performance for pre-eclampsia prediction.
Method:
A cohort study in singleton pregnancies, according to the competing risks model for pre-eclampsia. Blood pressure was measured according to a standardized method at 11 to 14 weeks' gestation.
Results:
Among 797 pregnancies included, there were 40 (5.0%, IC95 3.6; 6.4) deliveries with pre-eclampsia. The systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressures were respectively of 101(9), 68(8) and 79(8) mmHg in pregnant women who did not develop pre-eclampsia, against 109(10), 75(8) and 86(8) in those who did (p < 0.001, t-test). The areas under the curves were 0.707 (0.637; 0.777), 0.728 (0.661; 0.795), and 0.738 (0.673; 0.803). At a 3% of false positive rate, the cut-off points were 119, 83 and 94 mmHg with predictive values of negative of 95.6%.
Conclusions:
It is feasible to define the normal values for blood pressure in pregnancy on biostatistic and clinical basis.
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)
Prepare for the Procedure:
Blood Pressure
Measurement of Blood Pressure
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure
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.
Hypertension I: Introduction

