Mind the evidence gap: lack of validated blood pressure devices for pregnant patients.

Authors

Aleena Sajid, Lisa Dubrofsky, Shital Gandhi, Ella Huszti, Eric Kaplovitch, Nan Okun, Kelsey McLaughlin, John W Snelgrove

Published in

Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology Canada : JOGC = Journal d'obstetrique et gynecologie du Canada : JOGC. Pages 103483. Jul 30, 2026. Epub Jul 30, 2026.

Abstract

Blood pressure measurement is essential for diagnosing hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, yet many automated monitors in Canada lack pregnancy-specific validation. Pregnancy causes cardiovascular changes that may affect the accuracy of oscillometric devices. Despite this limitation, it remains unclear which automated devices used in clinics and at home are validated for pregnancy, and many monitors, particularly in rural and Indigenous communities may be used without confirmed validation. Hypertension Canada guidelines acknowledge this gap in blood pressure assessments during pregnancy. Evidence shows automated devices can produce clinically meaningful inaccuracies, leading to under- or overdiagnosis of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Addressing this issue requires pregnancy-specific validation studies, regulatory attention, and increased clinical awareness to ensure accurate and equitable maternal care.

PMID:
42532471
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 31 Jul 2026.

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