Control of Hypertension in Pregnancy — If Some Is Good, Is More Worse?

Entering pregnancy with chronic hypertension is increasingly common. A nationwide study of deliveries in the United States revealed that the prevalence of chronic hypertension among pregnant women had increased significantly, from 0.9% in 1995–1996 to 1.5% in 2007–2008.1 The frequency of gestational hypertension (i.e., hypertension first detected during pregnancy) has also increased.2 Older maternal age at delivery and higher rates of obesity at least partially explain these increases. Chronic hypertension is an important risk factor for pregnancy complications, including, for the fetus or neonate, poor fetal growth, preterm birth, low birth weight, requirement for neonatal intensive care, and death, and . . .