गर्भावस्था में उच्च रक्तचाप विकार: भारत में बढ़ती प्रचलन, जोखिम और प्रबंधन

<h2>Overview</h2> <p>Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy remain a leading cause of maternal and foetal morbidity worldwide. In India, the prevalence is estimated at <strong>7.8‑11%</strong>, placing the country among the highest globally. The conditions range from <span class="key-term" data-definition="Gestational hypertension — new‑onset hypertension after 20 weeks of gestation without proteinuria or organ damage (GS3: Health).">gestational hypertension</span> to the severe forms of <span class="key-term" data-definition="Pre‑eclampsia — a pregnancy‑specific syndrome of hypertension after 20 weeks accompanied by proteinuria or organ dysfunction; a major cause of maternal mortality (GS3: Health).">pre‑eclampsia</span> and <span class="key-term" data-definition="Eclampsia — the progression of pre‑eclampsia to seizures, representing a medical emergency in obstetrics (GS3: Health).">eclampsia</span>. Early detection and systematic monitoring are essential to curb the associated complications.</p> <h2>Key Developments</h2> <ul> <li>Global estimates from the <span class="key-term" data-definition="World Health Organization (WHO) — United Nations agency that sets global health standards and monitors disease trends; its data guide Indian health policy (GS3: Health).">WHO</span> indicate that hypertensive disorders affect <strong>5‑10%</strong> of all pregnancies.</li> <li>Risk factors identified include obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, thyroid disorders, pre‑existing hypertension, first‑time pregnancy, twin gestations, and advanced maternal age (>40 years).</li> <li>Complications span maternal eclampsia, stroke, acute kidney injury, pulmonary edema, liver dysfunction, placental abruption, and increased cesarean deliveries; foetal outcomes include growth restriction, preterm birth, low birth weight and higher perinatal mortality.</li> <li>Screening protocols now recommend first‑trimester risk assessment and, for high‑risk women, initiation of <span class="key-term" data-definition="Low‑dose aspirin prophylaxis — preventive use of aspirin (usually 75‑150 mg) in high‑risk pregnant women to reduce pre‑eclampsia incidence (GS3: Health).">aspirin prophylaxis</span> to mitigate pre‑eclampsia risk.</li> </ul> <h2>Important Facts</h2> <p>• <strong>Pre‑eclampsia alone affects 3‑8% of pregnancies globally</strong> (WHO).<br> • Chronic hypertension with superimposed pre‑eclampsia constitutes a high‑risk subgroup.<br> • Maternal mortality from hypertensive disorders remains among the top causes worldwide, underscoring the need for robust antenatal care.<br> • Women who experience hypertensive disorders in pregnancy have a higher lifetime risk of chronic hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and stroke.</p> <h2>UPSC Relevance</h2> <p>The topic cuts across multiple GS papers: <strong>GS3 (Health)</strong> – understanding disease burden, preventive strategies, and health‑system response; <strong>GS4 (Ethics)</strong> – addressing equity in maternal health