Summary
- Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are increasing in Canada, but the complications associated with them are decreasing, according to a study in CMAJ.
- The study looked at nearly three million hospital births and found that the rate of HDPs rose by 2.4% between 2012 and 2021.
- Common complications like early preterm delivery and maternal intensive care unit admissions decreased during the same period.
- Experts suggest the need for new ways to monitor HDPs and ensure women have access to proper obstetric care.
- Recommendations include education for new mothers on symptoms of preeclampsia and improved postpartum care to reduce unnecessary emergency department visits.
The rate of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) is on the rise among women in Canada, according to a recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ). However, despite the increase in HDP cases, the associated morbidity is actually decreasing. This suggests that while more women are experiencing hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, they are receiving better care and treatment to manage the complications.
The study, which analyzed close to three million hospital births in Canada between 2012 and 2021, found that the rate of HDPs increased by 2.4% during that time period. Despite this, rates of complications such as early preterm delivery and severe maternal morbidity were actually trending downwards. Experts are calling for improved monitoring for HDPs and better access to obstetric care for women in order to continue this positive trend. Additionally, efforts are being made to educate new mothers on the symptoms of preeclampsia and encourage them to monitor their blood pressure postpartum to ensure timely care and prevent unnecessary emergency department visits.
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Ob/Gyn & Women’s Health, Critical Care, Nursing, Obstetrics, Pregnancy, Hypertension, Model of Care