How frequently should a laboring woman's blood pressure be checked during active labor?

In active labor, the recommendation is to check a laboring woman's blood pressure every 15 minutes. This frequent monitoring is crucial as it helps to ensure both the safety of the mother and the fetus. Blood pressure readings give insight into the woman’s cardiovascular status and can help identify potential complications such as hypertensive disorders, which may arise during labor.

While readings every 30 minutes or every hour might seem adequate, they could lead to delayed recognition of significant changes in the woman's condition. The increased frequency of blood pressure checks, particularly during important phases of labor, facilitates timely interventions if abnormalities are detected, thus ensuring better outcomes for both mother and child.