Evaluation and Management of chronic Hypertension in Pregnancy

Abstract

Hypertension is a major health issue in pregnancy contributing to significant maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy can be classified as chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. Chronic hypertension is present in 1-2% of pregnant women [1,2]. Prevalence of chronic hypertension increases with advancing maternal age and obesity. Chronic hypertension during pregnancy is defined as hypertension (blood pressure of more than 140/90 mmHg on 2 occasions 4 hours apart) present before pregnancy or 20 weeks of gestation or hypertension diagnosed during pregnancy that does not resolve in postpartum period after 12 weeks [3].