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Patient and Provider Guide

The Blue Band Project

Blue Bands are bracelets given to pregnant and postpartum patients diagnosed with preeclampsia to identify them as at risk for eclampsia and stroke. They provide resources for patients, healthcare professionals, and first responders.

Patients: If instructed to wear a blue band, keep it on until your healthcare provider advises removal. Wearing a blue band ensures all medical staff are aware of your condition and can provide you with rapid care.

Providers: If you interact with a patient wearing the blue band, ensure that they receive
timely and appropriate care as their conditions may be life-threatening.

Provider Resources:

CMQCC Appendix E: Acute Treatment Algorithm

This algorithm helps determine the best approach to the evaluation and treatment of a pregnant or postpartum woman with Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy. These graphic displays can be used to train staff and/or laminated and placed in treatment areas for easy reference.

This figure was adapted from the Improving Health Care Response to Preeclampsia: A California Quality Improvement Toolkit, funded by the California Department of Public Health, 2014; supported by Title V funds. 

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CMQCC Preeclampsia Early Recognition Tool (PERT)

The Preeclampsia Early Recognition Tool (PERT) helps identify warning signs and support timely clinical response. This resource from the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative (CMQCC) supports healthcare providers in implementing best practices for the early recognition and treatment of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

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ACOG Maternal Stroke Webinar

In 2022, the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG) hosted a webinar addressing the impact of adverse pregnancy outcomes on the risk of future stroke as well as the risk of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome. Speakers discuss stroke risk factors, identification of symptoms, assessment, and treatment of stroke in the pregnant or postpartum patient. The webinar also features a maternal stroke survivor and advocate who shares her personal story.

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ACOG Clinical Guidance for the Integration of the Findings of the Chronic Hypertension & Pregnancy Study

This advisory from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) summarizes key findings from the Chronic Hypertension and Pregnancy (CHAP) Study and their implications for clinical care. It provides updated recommendations for initiating and managing treatment for chronic hypertension during pregnancy.

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The Blue Band Booklet: How to Implement at your Facility

The Blue Band Booklet provides suggested processes for implementing the Blue Band Project in birthing facilities, outpatient practices, and clinics. Developed by the Minnesota Perinatal Quality Collaborative (MNPQC) in partnership with CentraCare St. Cloud, the Blue Band Project uses blue bracelets to identify pregnant and postpartum patients with preeclampsia who are at risk for eclampsia and stroke.

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Patient Resources

National Institutes of Health: Preeclampsia and Eclampsia

This webpage from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides an overview of preeclampsia and eclampsia, including symptoms, risk factors, and potential complications. It also explains how these hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are diagnosed and managed to support the health of both mother and baby.

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Preeclampsia Foundation

The Preeclampsia Foundation is an empowered community of patients and experts, with a diverse array of resources and support to help you have the best possible pregnancy – and to help you navigate the questions you have when you don’t have the best pregnancy outcomes. 

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What is Preclampsia

Preeclampsia is a severe disorder that can affect many organs, including the brain, kidneys, and/or liver. It usually occurs in the last half of pregnancy, most often after 20 weeks, but it can also occur up to six weeks after the baby is born. (SOURCE) Preeclampsia can cause high blood pressure, protein in the urine, organ damage, seizures, stroke, and death.

Signs and Symptoms to look for:

  • Swelling in the face or hands
  • Severe or constant headache
  • Seeing spots or vision changes
  • Pain in the upper right area of your belly
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Sudden or rapid weight gain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Persistent heartburn
  • Decrease or absence of urination
  • High blood pressure
  • Chest pain
  • Confusion

Who is at Risk for Preeclampsia?

Certain factors may increase a person’s risk of developing preeclampsia during pregnancy. These include:

  • First pregnancy
  • A history of preeclampsia
  • Family history of preeclampsia
  • History of high blood pressure
  • History of kidney disease
  • Age 35 years or older
  • Carrying more than one baby
  • Diabetes, bleeding disorders, or specific autoimmune conditions
  • BMI over 35
  • In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) or fertility treatments

Long-Term Health Risks:

Preeclampsia can have long-term health impacts for both mothers and the baby. For mothers, having preeclampsia increases the risk of future cardiovascular conditions such as heart disease, heart attack, or stroke. It is also linked to a higher likelihood of developing high blood pressure later in life and experiencing preeclampsia in future pregnancies. For babies, preeclampsia may increase the risk of preterm birth and stillbirth.

Many complications of preeclampsia can be prevented. MNPQC is working to raise awareness of preeclampsia in our communities by using the blue medical alert bands.

For Patients Involved in the Blue Band Project:

  • Leave the blue wristband on until your healthcare provider takes it off or tells you to
  • Please continue your follow-up appointments, even if you feel well
  • Your follow-up appointment after your delivery should be scheduled within 2-5 days of discharge
  • Continue your prescribed medications as directed

If you notice any of the symptoms of preeclampsia listed above, you should seek immediate medical attention. Get a ride to your closest emergency room, or call 911 and report the symptoms you have been experiencing. It is vital to inform healthcare providers if you are pregnant or have recently been pregnant.

What is the impact?

In 2025, MNPQC shared the Blue Band Patient Experience Survey with patients at participating birthing facilities to learn about their understanding of blue bands and their experiences with them. Their feedback will help improve care for Minnesota families with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and the providers who care for them. Below are a few key highlights from the survey.

Multi-year comparison

92%

of 2025 survey respondents were offered or given a blue band in comparison to 63% of respondents in 2023. 

Patient Knowledge

97%

of respondents understood the reason they were offered or given the blue band.

Blue band usage

7 out of 10

respondents with a Blue Band wore it until 6 weeks postpartum.

 Measures of Respect Index (MOR)

100%

of the respondents reported receiving moderate or high respect at healthcare visits. 

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Funding Acknowledgment: Thank you to the Medica Foundation for funding MNPQC’s 2025 Blue Band Survey.