Gestational Hypertension: Overview and Current Recommendations

Abstract

Hypertension is one of the common complications met with in pregnancy and contributes significantly to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Hypertension is a sign of underlying pathology which may be preexisting or appears for the 1st time during pregnancy. The identification of clinical entity and effective management plays a significant role in the outcome of pregnancy, both for the mother and the baby. In the developing countries with uncared pregnancy, this entity on many occasions remains undetected till major complications supervene. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy represent a group of conditions associated with high blood pressure during pregnancy, proteinuria, and in some cases convulsions. The most serious consequences for the mother and the baby result from preeclampsia and eclampsia. In India, the incidence of preeclampsia is reported to be 8–10% of the pregnancies. Hypertension in pregnancy strikes mostly the primigravidae women after the 20th week of gestation and frequent occurrences are seen near term. It contributes significantly to the cause of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. The goal of the treatment of gestational hypertension is to prevent significant cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events in the mother, without compromising fetal well-being. A woman’s health lies in her hand. She alone is responsible for her health. Hence, the mother needs to be aware of regular antenatal checkup, follow-up the medical regimen, and adapt self-care management to prevent pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and thereby safe childbirth. This review will address background, risk factors, pharmacological, non-pharmacological management of hypertension in pregnancy, and the role of planned teaching in PIH.