New CDC Guidelines on Blood Pressure, Impacting Pregnancy & Birth!

Denise Bolds, MSW, CD(DONA)

A new definition of high blood pressure (hypertension) 2017 (Please note that all numbers refer to mm Hg, or, millimeters of mercury.) The guidelines, in a nutshell, state that normal blood pressure is under 120/80, whereas up until recently, normal was under 140/90. Now, elevated blood pressure (without a diagnosis of hypertension) is systolic blood pressure (the top number) between 120 and 129. That used to be a vague category called “prehypertension.” Stage 1 high blood pressure (a diagnosis of hypertension) is now between 130 and 139 systolic or between 80 and 89 diastolic (the bottom number). Stage 2 high blood pressure is now over 140 systolic or 90 diastolic. Let’s talk about how these new parameters will affect pregnancy, birth AND Black pregnant women. Denise Bolds host/producer of Awake In Birth is happy to welcome back Dr. Kecia Gaither! Kecia Gaither, MD, MPH, FACOG, is a double board-certified physician in OB/GYN and Maternal Fetal Medicine and holds a Masters’ degree in Public Health. Dr. Gaither is Director of Perinatal Services at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center, a member of NYC Health + Hospitals System in Bronx, New York. Dr. Gaither has particular expertise in caring for women with diabetes, HIV and obesity in pregnancy. www.keciagaither.com Denise Bolds can be reached at: [email protected] 845-797-4177 also on Facebook, Instagram and here on Blog Talk Radio!