Epidemiology

Hypertension is the most frequently identified medical problem during pregnancy. Hypertensive disorders are a common cause of morbidity and mortality during pregnancy, contributing to poor maternal and neonatal outcomes if not adequately managed. In England, gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia complicate around 5% of pregnancies.[3] Between 2017 and 2019, the prevalence of pregnancy-associated hypertension in the US increased from 10.8% to 13.0%.[4]

The incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy is higher in healthy nulliparous women compared with multiparous women.[5][6]​​​​​​ The highest prevalence of hypertensive disorders is in women aged >45 years.[4] Black women are at greater risk than white women.[4]​​

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