For a pregnant patient with hypertension, what is an appropriate monitoring strategy during the third trimester?

Weekly blood pressure monitoring is considered an appropriate strategy for managing a pregnant patient with hypertension during the third trimester. This frequency ensures that any fluctuations in blood pressure can be detected and addressed promptly, which is crucial for the health of both the mother and the developing fetus.

During the third trimester, the risk of complications such as gestational hypertension and preeclampsia increases. Regular monitoring allows healthcare providers to assess the effectiveness of treatment plans, make necessary adjustments, and provide timely interventions if blood pressure readings indicate a potential risk.

Daily blood pressure checks, while thorough, may be excessive and could cause unnecessary stress for the patient without significantly improving outcomes. Monitoring only once every two weeks might not be frequent enough to catch significant changes in blood pressure that could require immediate attention. Focusing solely on monitoring during labor fails to provide adequate oversight of the patient's condition during a critical period of pregnancy, where ongoing assessment is essential for ensuring both maternal and fetal safety.