Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
Assessment of Maternal Vascular Remodeling During Pregnancy in the Mouse Uterus
Published on: December 5, 2015
Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: Factors Associated with Multiple Postpartum Blood Pressure Visits
Lillian J Dyre1,2, Danielle L Falde3, Megan E Branda4
1Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Scottsdale, Arizona, United States.
Insights
Patients with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs) needing multiple postpartum blood pressure visits often deliver preterm, have high discharge blood pressure, or are discharged on medication. Tailored postpartum care is crucial for these high-risk individuals.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Cardiology in Pregnancy
Background:
- Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs) necessitate early postpartum blood pressure monitoring.
- Follow-up intensity for HDPs varies, with some patients requiring multiple visits.
- Identifying factors for increased postpartum visits is essential for optimizing care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine factors associated with multiple postpartum blood pressure monitoring visits in patients with HDPs.
- To identify predictors of persistent hypertension requiring extended clinical evaluation post-delivery.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 328 patients with HDPs delivering in 2019.
- Comparison of patients with single vs. multiple postpartum blood pressure evaluations.
- Univariate logistic regression to identify factors associated with increased visit frequency.
Main Results:
- Of 260 analyzed patients, 26.9% had multiple postpartum blood pressure visits.
- Preterm delivery (34-37 weeks gestation) was associated with increased visits (OR, 3.62).
- High discharge systolic blood pressure (≥140 mmHg) (OR, 5.02) and discharge on medication (OR, 3.42) predicted multiple visits.
Conclusions:
- Patients with HDPs delivering preterm, with persistent hypertension at discharge, or discharged on medication require close postpartum observation.
- Postpartum follow-up for HDP patients should be individualized based on risk factors.
- Ensuring continuity of care for high-risk HDP patients is vital for managing postpartum hypertension.
Objective:
Patients with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs) are recommended to attend an early postpartum follow-up visit for blood pressure monitoring. Follow-up frequency for patients with HDPs can vary widely, with some patients requiring multiple office visits. We sought to determine factors associated with multiple postpartum blood pressure visits among patients with HDPs.
Study Design:
We retrospectively identified patients with HDPs who delivered at our maternity center in 2019 and compared factors between patients who attended a single blood pressure follow-up appointment without requiring further clinical evaluation for hypertension and patients who required multiple postpartum clinical evaluations for persistent hypertension. Univariate logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with increased odds of having multiple clinically indicated postpartum visits for blood pressure monitoring.
Results:
We identified 328 patients with HDPs, of whom 260 (79.3%) attended an initial postpartum blood pressure follow-up appointment and were included in further analyses. Of the 260 patients, 70 (26.9%) had multiple blood pressure visits. Factors associated with multiple blood pressure visits included delivery between 34 and less than 37 weeks of gestation (odds ratio [OR], 3.62; 95% CI, 1.07-12.30), systolic blood pressure before discharge of 140 mm Hg or higher (OR, 5.02; 95% CI, 2.57-9.82), and discharge with blood pressure medication (OR, 3.42; 95% CI, 1.82-6.41).
Conclusion:
Patients with HDPs who deliver preterm, have persistent hypertension before discharge, or are discharged with antihypertensive medication require continued close postpartum observation and continuity of care.
Key Points:
· Postpartum follow-up care for patients with HDPs should be tailored to the patient.. · Preterm delivery, persistence of hypertensive blood pressure at discharge, and discharge with antihypertensive medication are associated with multiple postpartum ambulatory office visits.. · High-risk patients should be diligently monitored with postpartum continuity of care..
Related Concept Videos
01:33Hormonal Regulation
01:28Factors affecting Blood pressure
Physiological Factors:
01:28Special 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.
01:18Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure
01:30Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
01:23Hypertension V: Nursing Management