So I am pregnant and during the first trimester my blood pressure in the doctor's office was pretty good, weird for me because I have had white coat hypertension...surprise, I have anxiety! Anyway, today it was high and the doctor didn't put me on meds but really freaked me out. I am so worried and obsessing and obsessively checking my BP at home (btw it's pretty good at home still!). Help!

Has anyone else had this problem and if so, is there anything you do at the doctor's office to get a better reading?

Funny you should bring this up! Just yesterday, I had a Doctors appt and my BP is typically 110 over 80. Well yesterday it was 160/80. Think of singing lullabies to your baby or hum slowly and softly - it can help! Don't worry - sometimes letting the doctor know helps...

PS...The medication will work very well for you! It does take a little time!

Hi,
Yes, I've had this also. I check my blood pressure at home and it's always excellent - then, sure enough, I go to the doctor and it's up! Just keep checking it at home and keep a record of it to show your doctor so he knows you have "white coat syndrome." While waiting in the doctor's office, try deep breathing and think calming thoughts. Good luck!
Cindy

Yes.. I get this too. I just started having this problem a few years ago. I can take my BP before leaving for an appt. & it be normal & then as soon as they come at me to take it...bam..I can feel it rush up. It even happens to me when I take it at a drugstore or something in one of those machines. If it makes you feel better you can take a record in like Cindy said & I even took my machine in & had my doc make sure it was reading accurately along with his. Which it was..it just made me feel better knowing I was doing it right & getting correct numbers. I have found this is very common to have this problem. My blood pressure was up when I was pregnant too...but came down after I had my baby (who is 17 now!) Watch your salt. I swelled up like a balloon toward the end of my pregnancy. I do the same as you...obsess over taking my BP..which mine does spike up suddenly..seems to correlate when more during times of high anxiety. Scares the crap out of me. Which of course..will only make it go up more. Take your own record in next time & just tell your doc you know you have "white coat" I think most doctors know that this is a very real thing & wouldn't put you on meds against your wishes if he/she knew you were doing fine the rest of the time. Good luck with your pregnancy!