Hogan, Jennifer LMaguire, PatrickFarah, NadineKennelly, Mairead MStuart, BernardTurner, Michael J2012-02-012012-02-012012-02-01Hypertens Pregnancy. 2011;30(4):396-400. Epub 2010 Aug 20.1525-6065 (Electronic)1064-1955 (Linking)2072674310.3109/10641955.2010.506233http://hdl.handle.net/10147/208016OBJECTIVE: The accurate measurement of blood pressure requires the use of a large cuff in subjects with a high mid-arm circumference (MAC). This prospective study examined the need for a large cuff during pregnancy and its correlation with maternal obesity. METHODS: Maternal body mass index (BMI), fat mass, and MAC were measured. RESULTS: Of 179 women studied, 15.6% were obese. With a BMI of level 1 obesity, 44% needed a large cuff and with a BMI of level 2 obesity 100% needed a large cuff. CONCLUSION: All women booking for antenatal care should have their MAC measured to avoid the overdiagnosis of pregnancy hypertension.engAdolescentAdultBlood PressureBlood Pressure Determination/*instrumentationBody Mass IndexFemaleHumansHypertension, Pregnancy-Induced/*diagnosis/physiopathology*ObesityPredictive Value of TestsPregnancyPregnancy Trimesters*Prenatal DiagnosisProspective StudiesHypertension in pregnancy : official journal of the International Society for the, Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy