How arm position changes blood pressure readings during pregnancy
Arm Position and Blood Pressure Measurement Accuracy in Pregnancy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
We will see if different arm positions (supported at heart level, on the lap, or unsupported at the side) change blood pressure readings in pregnant women attending a high-risk clinic.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Sheba Medical Center Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Ramat Gan) |
| Trial ID | NCT07405723 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a single-center randomized crossover trial in which pregnant participants undergo multiple blood pressure measurements in one clinic visit with the arm placed in several common positions. The order of arm positions is randomized with stratification by trimester and by chronic hypertension status so each person serves as her own control. Measurements include supported at heart level, supported on the lap, and unsupported at the side, with repeat sets to account for natural variability. The goal is to quantify how much arm position shifts readings and whether that could affect clinical classification of blood pressure in pregnancy.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Pregnant women aged 18–55 with a viable singleton or multiple pregnancy who can sit upright and provide informed consent, across any trimester, are eligible including those with or without chronic hypertension.
Not a fit: People with severe preeclampsia/eclampsia, major fetal anomalies, significant cardiac or renal disease, major upper-limb limitations, or inability to sit or consent are excluded and would not benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could improve measurement practice so blood pressure is recorded more accurately, reducing misclassification and unnecessary treatment or missed diagnoses in pregnancy.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work in nonpregnant adults and smaller pregnancy cohorts has shown arm position can change blood pressure readings, but randomized crossover data specifically across all trimesters of pregnancy are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Pregnant women aged 18 to 55 years * Singleton or multiple viable intrauterine pregnancy * Gestational age corresponding to first, second, or third trimester at the time of enrollment * Ability to sit upright comfortably for the duration of blood pressure measurements * Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Preexisting significant cardiac disease (e.g., arrhythmias, congenital heart disease, severe valvular disease) * Chronic kidney disease defined as serum creatinine ≥1.5 mg/dL at enrollment * Significant upper limb or shoulder conditions that may affect arm positioning or blood pressure measurement (e.g., lymphedema, fractures, prior surgery, arteriovenous fistula) * Neurological or musculoskeletal conditions preventing proper positioning * Severe preeclampsia, eclampsia, or other acute medical conditions requiring immediate intervention * Major fetal anomaly * Intrauterine fetal demise
Where this trial is running
Ramat Gan
- Sheba Medical Center — Ramat Gan, Israel (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Michal Axelrod, MD MPH
- Email: michalaxelrod2805@gmail.com
- Phone: +97235302697
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.