About this course

The spectrum of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy include chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. These disorders affect about 10% of pregnant women and is the leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide. Affected women are at an increased risk of cardiovascular complications in later life and long-term follow-up care of these women are necessary. This e-learning module summarizes the different hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, the maternal and foetal risks associated, and the prevention, management, and long-term care of these conditions.

Learning outcomes

• Differentiate between various hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
• Identify the maternal and foetal risks associated with hypertension in pregnancy.
• Prevent and manage hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.
• Counsel patients regarding the risk of recurrence for future pregnancies and long-term health consequences.

Topics covered

• Cardiovascular physiology of pregnancy
• Risks of hypertension in pregnancy
• Spectrum of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, eclampsia
• Chronic and gestational hypertension: treatment during pregnancy and the post-partum/breastfeeding period
• Pre-eclampsia: identification of women at risk for pre-eclampsia, diagnosis and treatment
• HELLP syndrome
• Risk of recurrence and long-term health implications of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy