Hypertension in Pregnancy

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy rank among the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality. Situations where hypertensive disorders are found complicating pregnancy are common and form one of the deadly triad, along with hemorrhage and infection, that contribute greatly to maternal morbidity and mortality.

Severe hypertension increases the mother's risk of heart attack, cardiac failure, cerebral vascular accidents, and renal failure [3]. The fetus and neonate also are at increased risk from complications such as poor placental transfer of oxygen, fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, placental abruption, stillbirth, and neonatal death.

Significant advances have been made in the management of the conditions leading to evidence based recommendations and guides. With etiology poorly understood and no efficient predictive tools, reduction in maternal morbidity and mortality hinges on early detection and prompt and efficient management

Conclusion: Increased knowledge about hypertensive disorders in pregnancy among health care personel and more awareness of the conditions amomg the general populace especially women of reproductive age is essentially are essential in reducing the associated morbidity and mortality.