Worried doctor will tell me I shouldn’t continue with pregnancy due to blood pressure

[AprilBaby2025]

I have severe anxiety and health anxiety. So of course I always jump to the worst. I have never been treated for hypertension as doctors have always said it is due to white coat. It has been happening since I was a kid. It’s not just the doctors I’m scared of, it’s the cuff itself and the result. So I’m always scared when I put it on.

I was at the doctors a few days ago (my GP, not an OB). First reading was 170/110. Second reading went down to 136/100. Bottom number still very high.

I’ve been measuring a lot (way too much) at home. It varies by the day, depending on my emotional state and diet. But it averages 125/85 - 135/95. I have gotten plenty of lower readings and some higher ones. But this seems to be the average.

I am so scared that when I see an OB they will say it is way too high to safely continue with this pregnancy. I want this baby so bad. Will they say this? Am I freaking out over nothing? I think freaking out is just making things worse. If they put me on a beta blocker, fine. I just want this baby so badly and for it to be healthy and not born too early. I am so worried that a doctor will say I shouldnt have this baby.

They would likely give you medication to control your blood pressure if they feel it's dangerously high. I can't see any reason for them to tell you not to continue with your pregnancy

Your blood pressure really isn’t that high. They won’t say you can’t continue with your pregnancy. There is literally zero chance of them saying that. I would suggest though that you need a plan to tackle your anxiety because you have a whole lot of worry coming your way, progressing with your pregnancy and having a baby to look after at the end of it, and you are going to need to learn some coping mechanisms.

Do you see anyone professionally for your anxiety?

I don't think any doctor is every going to say anything like that to you but high BP could cause you some problems which I'm sure you already know, so that's something you're going to want to address some rather than later.

Whether that's medication or counselling, I don't know but I hope you get some help

I don't think doctors ever advise patients to have an abortion. They will treat the high blood pressure though and you need to get control of your anxiety otherwise you will be in for an incredibly tough time and be worrying about everything your baby does or does not do

Op, the dr won’t say that. I had high bp with my pregnancies and was put on bp medication that you can take while pregnant and monitored more, that’s all.

Please mention your mental health to a professional. You say OB, are you in the UK? If so speak to your midwife ASAP as there is specialist perinatal mental health support you can access and quicker than usual. You may not see an obstectrician at all in the UK if your care is midwife led. Would this help your anxiety? No one will advise you to terminate your pregnancy based on your blood pressure, perhaps BP meds and regular monitoring and some mental health support.

They will keep an eye on your blood pressure and prescribe medication to control it if needed.
I've never heard of anyone being advised to terminate because of high BP, so really not sure how you've come up with that.
You do need to see someone about your anxiety. Things won't get less anxiety-inducing once you have a baby.

Your blood pressure readings that you are taking at home are fine OP? Are you symptomatic in any other way? No doctor will tell you to get rid of your baby. If they are concerned about your readings in the doctors you could perhaps offer to have a 24/7 monitor which will give a more accurate picture?

No one's going to tell you to have an abortion why would you think that?

You need help with your anxiety.

I ended up with prenatal hypertension, I was given medication and watched very thoroughly, baby stopped growing at about week 37/38 so had an emergency c section. I found it very stressful tbh, all happened in the last trimester. Good luck, the nurses and doctors are so great!