ORCID

0000-0002-2752-4061 (Horgan), 0009-0004-0042-963X (Diab)

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2025

DOI

10.1016/j.ajogmf.2025.101693

Publication Title

American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology MFM

Volume

7

Issue

7

Pages

101693 (1-7)

Abstract

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including chronic hypertension, superimposed preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia, affect 10-20% of pregnancies and are a significant cause of maternal and perinatal mortality. The incidence of these disorders is rising due to factors such as advanced maternal age, obesity, assisted reproductive technology, and increased rates of preexisting comorbidities. Differentiating pregnancy-associated hypertension from pre-existing chronic hypertension is challenging, as the overlap between the two may be broadening due to the changing demographics of the pregnant population. This review critically evaluated the evidence regarding the current time periods recommended to make a diagnosis of a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. We noted no evidence to support the arbitrary 4-hour time period or any particular time period for diagnosis of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. In addition, there is no clear definition of what is considered persistent or sustained blood pressure elevations in blood pressure. Every effort should be made to ensure accurate diagnosis of new onset elevated blood pressures during pregnancy prior to labeling the patient with the diagnosis and thus recommending serial maternal and fetal testing and delivery at or before 37 weeks' gestation.

Rights

© 2025. This manuscript version is made available under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0) license https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/.

Original Publication Citation

Horgan, R., Diab, Y. H., Costantine, M., Saade, G., & Sibai, B. (2025). Diagnosis of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology MFM, 7(7), 1-7, Article 101693. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajogmf.2025.101693

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