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"You Probably Won't Notice Any Symptoms": Blood Pressure in Pregnancy-Discourses of Contested Expertise in an Era of Self-Care and Responsibilization.

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

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Type

Article

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Authors

Jakubowski, Beth 
Greenfield, Sheila 
Tucker, Katherine L 

Abstract

Pregnancy is not a disease or illness, but requires clinical surveillance as life-threatening complications can develop. Preeclampsia, one such potentially serious complication, puts both mother and baby at risk. Self-monitoring blood pressure in the general population is well established, and its potential in pregnancy is currently being explored. In the context of self-monitoring, the information and guidance given to women regarding hypertension, and the literature they themselves seek out during pregnancy, are vital to perceptions of disease risk and subsequent responses to, and management of, any symptoms. Drawing on online, offline, official, and unofficial sources of information, discourses are examined to provide analysis of how self-responsibilization is reflected in contemporary information, advice, and guidance drawn from multiple sources. A paradox emerges between the paternalistic and lay discourses that seek to challenge and regain control. Findings are discussed in the context of Foucault's governmentality and medical power.

Description

Keywords

United Kingdom, blood pressure, discourse analysis, information, preeclampsia, pregnancy, qualitative methods, responsibilization, self-monitoring, Blood Pressure, Female, Humans, Hypertension, Pregnancy, Self Care

Journal Title

Qual Health Res

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

1049-7323
1552-7557

Volume Title

31

Publisher

SAGE Publications

Rights

All rights reserved
Sponsorship
National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) National School for Primary Care Research (grant number 310). Dr Lisa Hinton is based at The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute (THIS Institute), University of Cambridge. THIS Institute is supported by the Health Foundation, an independent charity committed to bring about better health and healthcare for people in the UK