The influence of some perinatal variables on neonatal blood pressure

Adult hypertension has been linked to fetal growth. This study investigates whether this link is evident in the newborn. We measured blood pressure by oscillometry in 248 healthy neonates on day 3/4 of life. Antenatal data and neonatal measurements were obtained from hospital records. Elevated neonatal blood pressure correlated with higher birthweight. There was no correlation between placental weight and blood pressure. Babies born by caesarean section had lower systolic blood pressure. Babies of maternal smokers had higher diastolic blood pressure, but their mothers (45% of this study) had lower blood pressure than non-smokers. Thus, smoking was associated with a significant change in both maternal and neonatal blood pressure, and may be an important influence on the developing cardiovascular system.