Question
In general BP monitors around the upper arm are more accurate than those around the wrist, although the latter are certainly more convenient to wear and easier to access.
It might be worth checking your matching against a reading from one taken at a clinic, so that you know if there is a degree of error. For the arm machines, please remember to use the correct size cuff - this depends on your arm size.
Hope this helps.
Bw
Dr Dinesh
Here are some general tips:
1. Palm facing up
2. Blood pressure (BP) measurement on both wrists should be the same in most people. However, you should try to always use the same arm when taking your BP
3. Have your doctor check your device's accuracy against the clinic model. Also have your doctor watch you use your device to see if you're doing it properly.
4. Measure your BP twice a day, preferably at the same time each day. The first measurement should be in the morning before taking any medications, and the second in the evening.
5. Each time you measure, take 2 readings to make sure your results are accurate.
6. Make sure your arm is positioned properly at the level of your heart. You can rest your elbow on a table or pillow.
7. Place the BP cuff on bare skin, not over clothing.
8. Avoid caffeine, tobacco and alcohol for 30 minutes before taking a BP measurement.
it's quite normal for blood pressure to drop early in pregancy as the blood vessels dilate and blood volume also increases to accomodate the growing baby. Blood pressure in fact reaches the lowest point somewhere in middle of second trimester and then starts to rise again and returns to normal after childbirth. Some women may experience dizziness and lightheadedness due to this but if symptoms persist you may have to see your obstetrician as there maybe other reasons too ie anemia, dehydration, heart or endocrine issues and that the pregnancy is proceeding as expected.
Your best bet would be to seek out a Sport Medicine doctor in Singapore, who are able to advice you on nutrition, weight loss and exercise, as well as to link you up with a dietitian if necessary. Even though I’m partial towards low carbs/high protein myself, I can’t advocate a diet that’s high in fat (nor would most other doctors) due to the associated heart disease risks. It’s important to seek out a doctor regarding your new heart palpitations to determine the cause, as an ECG is an simple test that can help your doctor screen for and rule out insidious conditions.
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