What are some ways to overcome and stop white coat syndrome (anxiety when getting blood pressure taken)

Question

It's so annoying. I'm 11 weeks pregnant and anytime I get my blood pressure taken I immediately start to get anxiety and can feel my blood pressure spike at the doctors. And then after I just sit there a few minutes it goes Wayyyy down. Is there some ways to help prevent this from happening? It could also just be because on the day of doctor appointment I always get really nervous because I hope the ultrasound is going to be good and I just worry about our baby girl being okay. And then as soon as I see the ultrasound and her heart beating I immediately get a feeling of relief and calmness. Does anyone else have this issue?

Answer

My husband takes his at home before we go to the doctor and reports it to him. He still gets it taken at the office, but his doctor is aware it is artificially high.

Answer

Have them take it at the end of the appointment. Take a deep breath, let it out slowly. Close your eyes or stare at the wall, and think ‘slow down.’

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I have the same problem. My doctor about had a heart attack when she saw how high it was at my first appointment. I’ve found getting to my appointment early and just playing a mindless game on my phone while I wait for I’m not thinking about the appointment. I also explained it to my doctor, and now she takes my blood pressure at the very end up the appointment, and by that point it’s normal.

Answer

maybe get a monitor your self at home and practice having it done in the comfort of your own home x

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I told them in advance that the likelihood of them getting an accurate blood pressure reading was slim to none as I absolutely despise it- like anxiety and well best way I can describe it is that it gives me the “hee bee gee bees”. Luckily my blood pressure typically shows up as ok, but it makes me wonder what my actual blood pressure is if I’m so anxious when it’s actually being taken!!

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Anyway they could leave the room and let u take it yourself ? Might make u more relaxed

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yes, I have this too.  They have to take it like 4 times each visit!  We had 2 losses (missed miscarriages) so I have so much anxiety going to the obgyn... but as I've gotten further along with this pregnancy, I've been able to relax more and have less anxiety going there.  Just be honest with your dr. and nurses... having them turn down the lights and deep breathing helped me...  having casual conversation helped keep my mind off of what's going on too.  good luck!

Answer

I have this issue. And trying to relax makes me more stressed so my blood pressure always comes back high. My doctor and I have talked about this and they try to take it at the end of my appointment when I’m calmer if it was high at the beginning. I also try to do something like focus on a picture on the wall the is cute or a picture on my phone of my son and that helps.

Answer

Don’t let them take your blood pressure right away. Have them do it after you calm down.