Raised blood pressure (hypertension) is common in pregnancy, affecting approximately 1 in 10 women. Blood pressure remains elevated after birth, but usually returns to normal over 2 to 12 weeks.

This trial is testing whether women who have experienced a hypertensive pregnancy can achieve better blood pressure control in the weeks and months following the end of pregnancy by using an app to enter their self-monitored blood pressure readings (which are reviewed by a medical team) and adjust their antihypertensive medication accordingly. It aims to improve long-term blood pressure control and therefore reduce adverse cardiovascular outcomes and the associated costs to the NHS.

We collect the most important data for the study using a 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitor. This method of measuring blood pressure gives the best picture of how well blood pressure is controlled. We will use this to find out if the self-management intervention results in better blood control 6 months after birth compared to those who receive usual care. For more information, please see our ’24-hour blood pressure monitoring’ webpage.

We are also carrying out an optional sub-study to investigate the role of self-management of blood pressure after birth in women’s lives and clinical pathways.

Chief Investigator: Prof Richard McManus, Brighton and Sussex Medical School

Clinical Trials Unit: Nuffield Department of Primary Care, Clinical Trials Unit, The University of Oxford