Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are common and can result in maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Women may have chronic hypertension, or develop hypertension during pregnancy. Management involves close maternal and fetal surveillance. If an antihypertensive drug is needed, prescribe one that is safe in pregnancy. Pre-eclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. Women at high risk of pre-eclampsia should start aspirin 150 mg daily at 12-16 weeks gestation and continue until 36 weeks gestation, to reduce the risk of preterm delivery. There are long-term cardiovascular and mortality risks associated with pregnancies complicated by gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia. Ongoing cardiovascular and metabolic risk surveillance should be undertaken by the woman's general practitioner.
Keyphrases
- pregnancy outcomes
- blood pressure
- gestational age
- preterm birth
- birth weight
- pregnant women
- hypertensive patients
- preterm infants
- low birth weight
- public health
- low dose
- case report
- weight gain
- metabolic syndrome
- emergency department
- cardiovascular disease
- cardiovascular events
- climate change
- risk factors
- antiplatelet therapy