Telehealth for High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy

This trial explores whether managing high blood pressure during pregnancy through telehealth visits and remote monitoring is as effective as regular in-person visits. Pregnant women with a history of chronic hypertension (high blood pressure before pregnancy) can participate. Participants alternate between telehealth and clinic visits, with additional support through health coaching for those in the telehealth group. The goal is to determine if remote care can offer the same benefits and convenience as traditional in-person care. As an unphased trial, this study allows participants to contribute to innovative research that could improve healthcare convenience and accessibility for pregnant women.

The trial does not specify if you need to stop your current medications. However, since it involves managing chronic hypertension, you might continue your current antihypertensive medication. It's best to discuss this with the trial team.

Research has shown that checking blood pressure from home is safe for pregnant women, even those at high risk for high blood pressure. Studies indicate that telehealth monitoring encourages women to check their blood pressure more frequently, improving condition management.

In one large study, women checked their blood pressure 1.56 times more often after leaving the hospital when using remote monitoring. Another program found that remote monitoring helped more mothers track their blood pressure during and after pregnancy.

Researchers are excited about using telehealth and remote blood pressure monitoring for managing high blood pressure in pregnancy because it offers a more flexible and accessible approach compared to traditional in-person clinic visits. This treatment allows pregnant women to monitor their blood pressure from the comfort of their homes, potentially reducing the need for frequent trips to the clinic. Additionally, telehealth provides continuous support and real-time adjustments to care, which can lead to better management of hypertension during pregnancy. This method could significantly improve convenience and healthcare outcomes for expectant mothers.

Research has shown that checking blood pressure at home can help manage high blood pressure in pregnant women. One study found that home monitoring increased the number of blood pressure checks by 1.56 times shortly after hospital discharge. Another study with 937 pregnant women demonstrated better blood pressure control and improved health through home monitoring. It also found that home monitoring detected high blood pressure more reliably across different groups. In this trial, participants in the "Telehealth Cycle" arm will receive telehealth visits along with blood pressure telemonitoring, which might effectively manage high blood pressure during pregnancy.¹³⁶⁷⁸