Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is among the major causes of maternal mortality and a significant contributor to maternal and perinatal morbidity. Preeclampsia is characterized by hypertension that develops throughout pregnancy and disappears after birth, suggesting that the placenta is a critical player in the condition. Reduced placental perfusion, which leads to extensive malfunction of the maternal vascular endothelium, is an initial PIH event (Osman, 2019). There is a variety of processes that contribute to decreased placental perfusion in PIH, but most studies point to abnormal cytotrophoblast invasions of spiral arterioles as a critical component.
There are greater odds of developing PIH when a woman is connected to nulliparity, extreme maternal ages, numerous pregnancies, gestational diabetes, chronic hypertension, fetal deformity, obesity, or history of PIH in the past pregnancies. Chronic diseases such as renal disease and diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular problems, unrecognized chronic hypertension, and PIH in family history are precipitating PIH factors. In addition, alcohol use, rheumatoid arthritis, extreme underweight and overweight, mental stress, asthma, and low socioeconomic status are also risk factors for PIH.
The most typical symptoms of PIH are increased blood pressure, protein in the urine, edema, abrupt weight gain, visual abnormalities, nausea, upper right abdominal discomfort or pain around the stomach, and reduced amounts of urine. However, each woman has distinct symptoms that are related to PIH. A physician determines the precise therapy for PIH based on a woman’s pregnancy, general health and medical history, the severity of the condition, tolerance for certain drugs, and expectations for the disease’s course. The primary objective of therapy is to prevent the illness from becoming worse and from leading to secondary consequences. Bedrest, magnesium sulfate, fetal monitoring, and regular urine and blood tests to detect changes that may suggest worsening of PIH are some of the treatments for PIH. Furthermore, drugs such as corticosteroids may aid in the maturation of the fetus’s lungs. If therapy fails to manage PIH or if the fetus or mother is in danger, delivery of the infant may be considered, with cesarean delivery being suggested in such circumstances.
Reference
Osman, O. (2019). Pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH): Beyond pregnancy. Frontiers in Women’s Health, 4(3). Web.