Gestational Hypertension and Preeclampsia

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy constitute one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal mortality worldwide. It has been estimated that preeclampsia complicates 2–8% of pregnancies globally (1). In Latin America and the Caribbean, hypertensive disorders are responsible for almost 26% of maternal deaths, whereas in Africa and Asia they contribute to 9% of deaths. Although maternal mortality is much lower in high-income countries than in developing countries, 16% of maternal deaths can be attributed to hypertensive disorders (1, 2). In the United States, the rate of preeclampsia increased by 25% between 1987 and 2004 (3). Moreover, in comparison with women giving birth in 1980, those giving birth in 2003 were at 6. 7-fold increased risk of severe preeclampsia (4). This complication is costly: one study reported that in 2012 in the United States, the estimated cost of preeclampsia within the first 12 months of delivery was 2. 18 billion (1. 03 billion for women and 1. 15 billion for infants), which was disproportionately borne by premature births (5). This Practice Bulletin will provide guidelines for the diagnosis and management of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia.