Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy is an umbrella term that includes pre-existing chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia and eclampsia. Gestational hypertension occurs in about 7 to 10% of pregnancies whereas pre-existing hypertension is present in about 3-5% of all pregnancies. With rising maternal age and increasing incidence of chronic hypertension in young women, this burden is going up exponentially. Untreated hypertension in pregnancy can have serious medical implications for both the mother and the baby. Women with chronic hypertension who are already on antihypertensive treatment will need to have their medications changed to pregnancy-friendly medications.
Gestational hypertension is the milder form of pregnancy-induced hypertension but can progress to the more severe forms of preeclampsia and eclampsia in later pregnancy. Clinical risk factors for preeclampsia include prior preeclampsia, first pregnancy, twin pregnancy, maternal age >35 years, chronic hypertension, pre-gestational diabetes mellitus, maternal body mass index >30 kg/m2, antiphospholipid syndrome, and use of assisted reproduction technique.
