RESUMO
The present study was conducted to illustrate the range of normal blood pressure among pregnant mothers attending MCH centres and its biological and socioeconomic determinants. A total sample of 630 pregnant mothers were selected from 6 centres representing the 6 zones of Alexandria. Mothers of blood pressure above 140/90 mm Hg were excluded. The results showed that the mean systolic blood pressure in the first trimester was 112.16 mm Hg, decreased to 109.42. mm Hg for mothers in the 2nd trimester and raised again to 114.41 mm Hg in the 3rd trimester. A variety of socioeconomic and biological factors were involved in changing the range of blood pressure within normal limits specially during specific trimesters of pregnancy. It is recommended to record blood pressure for pregnant mothers from the first antenatal visit at any trimester. Single value can be used as potential marker. Those with higher trends of normal pressure values should be systemically followed.
