When assessing a new postpartum patient, how should her blood pressure be expected to compare to baseline during pregnancy?

After giving birth, a woman's blood pressure is generally expected to return to pre-pregnancy levels. During pregnancy, blood volume increases and hormonal changes occur, which can raise blood pressure. However, in the postpartum period, especially immediately after delivery, there can be physiological changes such as a decrease in blood volume as a result of the delivery of the placenta and loss of blood.

When assessing a new postpartum patient, her blood pressure is therefore anticipated to be consistent with her baseline blood pressure prior to pregnancy, as the body adapts to the changes of delivery. This reflects the normal return to homeostasis as the physiological demands of pregnancy are no longer present. Generally, healthy adjustments occur in the postpartum period, leading to a restoration of baseline blood pressure levels, which is an essential part of the recovery process.

During this assessment, if the blood pressure deviates significantly from baseline, it may indicate potential complications that require further evaluation and intervention.