Assessment of Prevalence of Hypertension in pregnant women with its Complications: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: World Health Organization has reported that pregnancy induced hypertension is one of the main causes for mortality and morbidity in maternal and fetal deaths. About 60% of deaths accounted of eclampsia. Aims and Objectives: To diagnose for hypertension in pregnant women. To evaluate the knowledge of pregnancy induced hypertension among the pregnant women. To investigate the complications reported in Pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) women, during and after labor. Study area and period: The present study was conducted in Chittoor government hospital, Chittoor, during the period of Jan 2016 and Dec 2017. The information and materials required for the study have been collected from the gynecology and obstetrics departments of the respective hospital. Results: During the study period of Jan 2016 and Dec 2017, about 2234 number of pregnant women have visited the obstetrics and gynecology department. All the 2234 pregnant women were tested for blood pressure. Among which 198 women were found to have hypertension, which may be of early onset PIH or chronic hypertension (HTN). Different variables of the study population like period of gestation [<20 weeks, ≥20 weeks], previous cesarean section if present, previous preterm delivery if present, hypertension in previous pregnancy, history of paternal hypertension, history of abortions if have been, history of any still births, family history of PIH have been noted and reported in table 2. More than 8% of women were found to been falling in <20 weeks of gestational age (GA). Conclusion: The study included 2234 pregnant women, in which 198 women were diagnosed with hypertension. Thus, prior investigation and identification hypertension in pregnant women helps in better management of PIH and to overcome the complications that are reported due to PIH during and after labor. Better knowledge and treatment is required for managing hypertension in maternal women in gynecology and obstetrics department for maternal and fetal care.