Practice points
C Automated blood pressure devices may underestimate the blood
pressure in pregnancy and therefore caution should be exercised
in their use
C An appropriately sized blood pressure cuff should be used. If the
mid-arm circumference is >33 cm, a large cuff should be used
C Labetolol remains the antihypertensive of choice. Methyldopa
and nifedipine may be used as second or third line agents
C Systolic blood pressures over 150 mm/Hg should be treated
C Anaesthetists should anticipate an additional rise in blood
pressure at intubation in women with severe pre-eclampsia who
are undergoing Caesarean section under general anaesthesia and
take measures to avoid a speed that compromises maternal
wellbeing, even when there are concerns about fetal wellbeing
C If the platelet count is