hypertension in pregnancy
Start with the big picture
The lesson begins with how hypertension is identified after 20 weeks’ gestation and distinguishes chronic, gestational, pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, and super-imposed pre-eclampsia. It then addresses severe-range blood pressure, when treatment is considered, and how oral treatment differs from urgent management of severe hypertension. Additional sections cover medicines to avoid, magnesium sulfate for seizure prevention or control, and preventive measures for pre-eclampsia. The topic also reviews maternal and fetal complications, delivery as definitive management of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, and the role of blood, urine, and fetal monitoring. Postpartum medication choices, breastfeeding considerations, and patient education complete the overview.
What you'll learn
- Identify the diagnostic threshold and classify hypertensive disorders in pregnancy.
- Distinguish routine treatment considerations from urgent management of severe hypertension.
- Recognize medication options, contraindications, and the role of magnesium sulfate.
- Describe prevention, monitoring, delivery, and postpartum management considerations.
- Identify maternal and fetal risks and warning signs requiring urgent assessment.
Continue your study
Work through the complete notes and reinforce the topic with the study tools available in the full lesson.
