Washington Blue Band Initiative

The Blue Band Initiative helps health care providers quickly identify patients with preeclampsia.

If you have preeclampsia or high blood pressure during pregnancy or after giving birth, your provider may ask you to wear a blue wrist band. Keep wearing the blue band after giving birth, typically up to 6 weeks postpartum.

Important: If you have been asked to wear a blue band, keep it on until your provider takes it off or tells you to take it off, even after you’ve left the hospital.

About the Blue Band Initiative

The Blue Band Initiative started at Evergreen Health Medical Center in 2016 to help address preeclampsia.

Since then, hospitals across Washington have joined this initiative. In fall 2023, the Washington State Perinatal Collaborative (WSPC) selected it as a quality improvement project. Hospitals across Washington are actively using blue wristbands as a visual cue to help make sure patients receive timely and appropriate care.

Want to join the Initiative or learn more? Fill out the Blue Band Participation form. Many hospitals, birth centers and clinics across Washington are working together to implement and promote the Blue Band Initiative. We add new sites on a rolling basis.

Examples of Blue Bands:

A blue rubber wristband with Eclampsia Risk printed on it.
A pregnant woman wearing a rubber blue wrist band that says Alert Eclampsia Risk
A dark blue wristband that says Alert!! Eclampsia Risk!!

What is Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a health problem some people get during pregnancy or in the postpartum period. It usually starts with high blood pressure. If untreated, it can develop into a serious health concerns that can damage important organs like the brain, kidneys, or liver. In severe cases, it can lead to seizures or a stroke.

High blood pressure means your blood is pushing too hard through your body. This can be unsafe for both you and your baby.

Learn more from the March of Dimes, CentraCare (MN), or the Minnesota Perinatal Quality Collaborative (MNPQC).

Preeclampsia can cause:

  • High blood pressure
  • Protein in the urine
  • Organ damage
  • Seizures
  • Stroke
  • Maternal and fetal death

Common symptoms of preeclampsia:

Important: Don’t wait, if you notice any preeclampsia symptoms listed below. Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911. Tell them which symptoms you have. 

These symptoms may be warning signs of preeclampsia. Talk to your provider if you notice any of the following:

  • Increased blood pressure readings
  • Swelling in your face or hands
  • Bad headache or a mild headache that does not go away
  • Changes in vision, blurred vision or seeing spots
  • Pain in your belly or chest
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Gaining weight quickly
  • Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
  • Heartburn that will not go away
  • Not able to urinate or urinating less

Who Is at Higher Risk?

Some people are more likely to develop preeclampsia. You may be at higher risk if:

  • This is your first pregnancy.
  • You had preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy.
  • Someone in your family had preeclampsia
  • You have high blood pressure or kidney disease before pregnancy.
  • Your age is 35 years or older.
  • You are pregnant with more than 1 baby.
  • You have diabetes, a bleeding disorder, or an autoimmune condition.
  • You are pregnant after fertility treatments.
  • Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is over 35. BMI is a tool that health care providers can use to estimate body fat amount by using your height and weight measurements. It’s important to note that BMI isn’t always an accurate representation of body fitness or health.

What Could Happen to My Baby?

Preeclampsia can affect your baby’s health and development. Possible risks include:

  • Complications from an early (premature) delivery
  • Stillbirth (death or loss of a baby before or during birth)

Long-Term Risks of Preeclampsia

It can lead to serious, long-term health problems like:

  • Heart disease
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke,
  • Ongoing high blood pressure

You also have increased chances of getting preeclampsia again in future pregnancies.

Why You Might Wear a Blue Band

If you are at risk of or have preeclampsia, your health care provider may give you a blue wristband to wear.

  • Keep the blue wristband on until your health care provider takes it off or tells you to remove it.
  • Go to all your follow-up appointments, even if you feel fine.
  • You should have a follow-up visit after delivery within 2 to 5 days after leaving the hospital.
  • Take your medications as prescribed.
  • Talk to your family and friends about why wearing the blue band matters and why follow-up care is important.

Important:

  • If you are asked to wear a blue band, it is only for you. It is not jewelry. Don’t give it to others or let children play with it. Throw the band away when your provider says it’s okay to remove it.
  • Always tell health care providers if you are or were recently pregnant.

How to Take Your Blood Pressure at Home

Checking your blood pressure at home can help catch problems early. Here are some helpful tools and resources: