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Abstract

Hypertension is one of the common medical problems encountered in 10% of all pregnancies. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy include pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, chronic hypertension and gestational hypertension.^[1] Of these disorders, Pre-Eclampsia (PE) accounts for 70% of the hypertensive disorders in pregnancy with a major negative impact on pregnancy outcome as well as maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Though anti-hypertensive drugs are used in the management of pregnancy-induced hypertension, termination of pregnancy alone offers a complete cure.^[2] In developing countries, like India the incidence of preeclampsia ranges from 1.8% to 16.7% which is 7 times higher than the worldwide incidence which is 3% to 8%.^[3] Poor knowledge about the medical care available for pregnant women and poverty have been attributed to the high incidence of the disease.^[4] Preeclampsia is one of the important health problems in pregnant women with potential fetal complications such as growth retardation, prematurity, low birth weight and death.^[5] Maternal complications such as HELLP (Haemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, Low Platelets) syndrome, cerebral edema accompanied by seizures, renal failure and death.^[6] Hence optimizing healthcare for expectant mothers is crucial for achieving sustainable development goals and improving the prevention and treatment of these dangerous hypertensive disorders.  Read more...