Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy: Approach to diagnosis and management in general practice

Abstract

Background Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDIP) are among the leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality and should not be reserved for specialist care and expertise.1 General practitioners (GPs) are inevitably involved in the care of women with HDIP, particularly in the preconception, early pregnancy and postpartum periods and, also, as shared maternity care providers. It is, therefore, critical that GPs can assess and manage HDIP. Objective This article aims to provide GPs with a practical approach to the diagnosis and management of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, including postpartum monitoring and ongoing cardiovascular risk surveillance. Discussion The spectrum of HDIP includes gestational hypertension, chronic hypertension, pre-eclampsia (PET)/eclampsia and PET superimposed on chronic (pre-existing) hypertension, and this can affect up to 8–10% of pregnant women.