Frequency of Pregnancy Induced Hypertension among Obese Patient after 20 Weeks of Gestation

Background: Hypertensive disorders are among the most frequent and severe complications of pregnancy, accounting for substantial maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Obesity has emerged as a major contributor to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). While the prevalence of obesity is rising, limited research has focused specifically on the frequency of PIH among obese pregnant women. Objective: To determine the frequency of pregnancy-induced hypertension among obese women after 20 weeks of gestation presenting at a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over six months at a tertiary care hospital. A total of 192 obese pregnant women (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²), aged 15–49 years, with gestational age >20 weeks, were enrolled using consecutive sampling. Women with chronic hypertension, renal/liver disease, or multiple gestations were excluded. Maternal demographics, parity, gravida, booking status, and family history of hypertension were recorded. Blood pressure was measured according to standardized protocols, and PIH was diagnosed as systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg after 20 weeks of gestation. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Results: The mean maternal age was 29.6 ± 5.4 years, with a mean BMI of 33.8 ± 3.1 kg/m². Of the 192 participants, 78 (40.6%) developed PIH. The frequency of PIH was significantly higher in multiparous women (45.3%) compared to primiparous women (34.1%, p = 0.04). Women with a positive family history of hypertension showed a markedly elevated risk (58.3% vs 35.4%, p = 0.01). PIH was also more common among unbooked patients (48.1%) than booked patients (36.2%). Conclusion: Approximately two-fifths of obese pregnant women developed pregnancy-induced hypertension, underscoring obesity as a strong risk factor for hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. Family history, parity, and booking status further influenced the risk. Routine antenatal screening, early diagnosis, and aggressive management of high-risk obese women are essential to improving feto-maternal outcomes.