Outcomes in Parents With Pregnancy Induced Hypertension

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy-induced hypertension is a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality and is associated with adverse outcomes such as cesarean delivery, preterm birth, low birth weight, and intrauterine fetal demise. Objective: To determine the frequency of maternal and fetal outcomes in women with pregnancy-induced hypertension and to examine their distribution according to maternal age, gestational age at presentation, and parity. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from April 8, 2024, to October 8, 2024, at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bolan Medical College/Sandeman Provincial Hospital, Quetta. A total of 381 pregnant women aged 21-44 years with pregnancy-induced hypertension were enrolled. Women with chronic hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and obesity were excluded. Maternal outcome was assessed as cesarean delivery, while fetal outcomes included preterm birth, low birth weight, and intrauterine fetal demise. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21, and stratified associations were evaluated using chi-square testing and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Results: Cesarean delivery occurred in 206 women (54.07%), preterm birth in 165 (43.31%), low birth weight in 115 (30.18%), and intrauterine fetal demise in 90 (23.62%). Women aged 21-30 years had significantly higher odds of preterm birth (OR 10.37, 95% CI: 6.08-17.65) and intrauterine fetal demise (OR 4.39, 95% CI: 2.42-7.97) than women aged 31-44 years. Grand multiparity was associated with higher frequencies of low birth weight and intrauterine fetal demise. One gestational-age-based preterm finding appeared clinically inconsistent and should be verified against source data. Conclusion: Pregnancy-induced hypertension was associated with a substantial burden of adverse fetomaternal outcomes in this cohort. Younger maternal age and grand multiparity identified clinically vulnerable subgroups that may benefit from intensified surveillance and targeted obstetric management.