Hypertension Study in Pregnant Women Demanding Services of Ankara University School of Medicine Obstetrics and Gynecology Department Outpatient Clinic

Objective: Hypertension in pregnancy is an important health problem for both developing countries and developed countries since it is frequent and it has risks for both fetus and mother. In this study it was aimed to find the frequency of hypertension in pregnancy, and pregnancy-induced hypertension and associated factors in pregnant women who have demanded services of Ankara University School of Medicine Obstetrics and Gynecology department pregnancy outpatient clinic, and make improved suggestions on this subject. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed between May-August 2004 and 384 pregnant women participated in the study. Hypertension in pregnancy was identified as all hypertensives among the study group. 241 pregnant who had no chronic hypertension and were in 20th pregnancy week or a later period of their pregnancies were evaluated for pregnancy-induced hypertension. A questionnaire were filled with interview method. Weight, height and blood pressure were measured. Chi square test and logistic regrression analysis were used in statistical assesments. Results: The mean age of participants was 27.8 +/- 4.8. Hypertension in pregnancy was found in 7.6% of 384 pregnant women. Pregnancy-induced hypertension was identified in 8.3% of 241 pregnant women (5.8% gestational hypertension, 2.5% preeclampsia). In logistic regression analysis age of 35 years and over (OR:13.43, 95 %CI: 2.72-66.20), nulliparity (OR:5.88, 95% CI:1.59-21.74), multiple pregnancy (OR: 23.78, 95% CI: 2.74-206.11), oral contraceptive/hormon usage(OR:2.78, 95% CI:0.98-7.92), excess weight gain (OR:2.98, 95% CI: 1.02-8.77) remained as determinants of development pregnancy-induced hypertension. Conclusion: Since hypertension in pregnancy had a higher rate in this study it must be carefully monitored in antenatal care. Blood pressure and associated factors with pregnancy-induced hypertension must be evaluated antenatally and during pregnancy early diagnosis and necessary interventions must be provided.