Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy – A Review

High blood pressure is a common medical problem faced during pregnancy. Hypertensive diseases in pregnancy are one of the major causes of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. The compendious update of the various literature related to hypertension in pregnancy is presented in this review. The classification of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, their definitions, the current treatment guidelines, objectives of treatment and the potential risks of various hypertensive diseases of pregnancy has been reviewed. The recent advance in this field has been summarized. There are some changes in the diagnostic criteria and measurement of the severity of preeclampsia which has also been summarized. The short and long-term consequences of preeclampsia have been highlighted. We hope that this comprehensive discussion will stimulate the flourishing research in the field and facilitate clinicians to identify women at risk and thereby undertake more effective treatment of those affected individuals.