What is the recommended course of action for a 39-year-old patient at 35 weeks' gestation with high blood pressure and occasional headaches?

In the context of managing high blood pressure during pregnancy, particularly at 35 weeks' gestation, weekly blood pressure monitoring is a crucial approach. This method allows healthcare providers to closely track the patient's blood pressure levels, which is essential given the risk of complications such as preeclampsia. High blood pressure during pregnancy can lead to serious outcomes for both the mother and the fetus, including gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, hence the need for vigilant monitoring. Ensuring that blood pressure is managed effectively can lead to timely interventions if the condition worsens.

Weekly monitoring provides the necessary information to assess any changes in blood pressure that could require further action, such as medication adjustments or additional interventions. It allows for a proactive stance in managing the condition rather than a reactive approach, which is vital in a high-risk population like pregnant women.

Other methods such as bed rest or dietary salt restriction could be beneficial in certain circumstances, but they do not provide the same level of ongoing assessment to determine the need for treatment escalation. Meanwhile, initiating low-dose aspirin is typically used as a preventive measure for high-risk patients who face potential preeclampsia, rather than as a first response to existing high blood pressure. Therefore, weekly blood pressure monitoring