Prevalence, Risk Factors of Gestational Hypertension of Pregnancy at Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital, India

Objective: To assess Prevalence, Risk Factors of Gestational Hypertension of Pregnancy at Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital, India. Methodology: Data collectors and lead researchers carried out the data collection. Obstetric history from the subjects was obtained based on interviewer-administered questionnaires. The demographic data were manually extracted and recorded on a structured and piloted form with an individual record number. We recorded the demographic characteristics, gravidity, parity, blood pressure measurements, gestational age, BMI, hypertension type, abortion history, maternal complications and presenting symptoms. The diagnosis of gestational hypertension was made based on its occurrence in the duration between antepartum and postpartum period. For the purpose of this study, two blood pressure readings were taken using a mercury sphygmomanometer and the average of both the recordings was taken. Result: Various risk factors such as obesity, family history, primigravida, multiple babies, kidney disease, pre-hypertensive and age were identified in the study population which made them more prone to get affected with PIH. PIH prevalence was found to be 22%. The mean age group with a high degree of PIH was found to be ≥ 25 years in 36.36% pregnant women. Women above the 20th week of the Period of gestation were found to be more prone. Obesity in around 72.26% was determined to be a major risk factor leading to preterm deliveries and complications. Pedal edema and headache were found to be the most common presenting symptoms in 45.45% and 31.81% respectively. The analysis of maternal and fetal outcomes recorded 22.72% fetal growth restriction and 13.63% with oligohydramnios as major complications. Conclusion:  Prevalence of PIH was found to be high. There should be a proper system to provide antenatal and prenatal consultations and routine monitoring. Urinalysis must be carried out regularly in all pregnant women. Significant risk factors should be screened during the consultation for pregnancy.