Anxiety on blood pressure readings accurate or temporary?

[Starryeyed2021]

Hi all, I’ve had anxiety on my blood pressure readings for a while now. I had high BP after giving birth and I’m only 34 so it really did scare me. What I’m confused about it why does my readings dramatically vary on three readings? It can go from 120,to 110, to 105 within space of minutes. And does this mean my Bp ( when not measuring) is sitting at the lower number then? As the higher spike is due to my anxiety of the machine? Really confusing me but I don’t want to miss anything like a high blood pressure

BP does vary which is why doctors take an average over multiple readings rather than getting concerned about a single high reading

But why are you taking your BP? I wouldn't unless your doctor has asked you to monitor it.

This is why taking your own BP is utterly pointless. Just throw the gadget away, OP - you don't need it.

My GP tells me to take three readings at 5 minute intervals, sitting down throughout, and just take the lowest one.

BP varies, assuming you are reporting the systolic all those readings are within the normal range.

BP can fluctuate during the perinatal period. If you are not being monitored by a healthcare professional it would suggest there is nothing to be concerned about.

Yep, take 3 readings and then take the third - which is usually the lowest. Sit quietly and don't talk whilst you are doing it.

Hi all, thanks for the replies, I was put on medication after birth for blood pressure as it was over 150/90,
since the medication it’s been holding at a good reading and now I’ve completely stopped the Medication as the Gp said I can and it’s still holding ( anything between 120/80- 90/60) depending on time of day and first reading to third reading. But the third reading I end up with is alwuas in the 90s/60s, so it must mean my Bp is ok right? Just checking for the next few weeks to make sure it doesn’t spike again. I’m just so baffled as to how the fist and third reading can vary so much?l!