Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy
Introduction Hypertensive disorders during pregnancy affect approximately 8-10% of all pregnant women and the complications can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality to the mother and baby. Major Hypertensive Disorders Major hypertensive disorders that can occur in pregnant women are: Chronic hypertension Hypertension (BP >140/90) that exist before pregnancy or diagnosed in the first 20 weeks of gestation. Gestational hypertension New-onset of hypertension after 20 weeks gestation Preeclampsia Hypertension occur after 20 weeks gestation with features of multi-organ involvement Symptoms of pre-eclampsia include severe headache, problems with vision, severe pain below ribs, vomiting and sudden swelling of hands, feet or face accompanied with significant proteinuria and blood pressure greater than 140/90 mg Hg. In 2013, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists removed proteinuria as an essential criterion for diagnosis of preeclampsia. Eclampsia Ne...