Measuring Blood Pressure in Pregnant Women Using Different Cuffs

Evaluation of the Agreement Between Conical Forearm and Cylindrical Upper Arm Non-Invasive Blood Pressure (NIBP) Measurements in Pregnant Patients

NA · Northwestern University · NCT06466161

This study is testing if a special forearm cuff gives more accurate blood pressure readings for pregnant women compared to a regular upper arm cuff, especially for those who are very overweight.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment110 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorNorthwestern University (other)
Locations1 site (Chicago, Illinois)
Trial IDNCT06466161 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the accuracy of blood pressure measurements in pregnant women using two different types of cuffs: a cylindrical cuff for the upper arm and a conical cuff for the forearm. Participants will be categorized into four groups based on their blood pressure and obesity status. The goal is to determine if the conical cuff provides more accurate readings, especially in morbidly obese patients, which could lead to better diagnosis and management of hypertension during pregnancy. Measurements will be taken while participants are seated, and various arm and forearm dimensions will be recorded to ensure proper cuff fitting.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are pregnant women aged 18 and older with a BMI of 20 kg/m² or greater, presenting with or without a diagnosis of hypertension.

Not a fit: Patients with significant peripheral arterial disease or a history of certain heart conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate blood pressure readings in pregnant women, reducing unnecessary treatments and complications.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have indicated that improved cuff designs can enhance blood pressure measurement accuracy, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Women who are 18 years of age or older with a
* Body mass index (BMI) of 20 kg/m2 or greater
* Present to Labor and Delivery with or without a diagnosis of gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, or chronic hypertension with super-imposed preeclampsia, in spontaneous labor or for induction of labor

Exclusion Criteria:

* Significant peripheral arterial disease resulting in at least a 10 mm Hg blood pressure difference between both arms
* History of repaired or unrepaired congenital heart disease
* History of significant arrythmia
* History of pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator placement
* History of sickle cell disease
* History of Raynaud's phenomenon on any extremity
* History of lymph node dissection of either upper extremity
* Patients who are less than 18 years of age

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Hypertension in Pregnancy, Hypertension, Obesity, Conical Blood Pressure Cuff, Cylindrical Blood Pressure Cuff, Pregnancy, Non invasive blood pressure

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.