The detection, investigation and management of hypertension in pregnancy: full consensus statement

Hypertension in pregnancy is associated with increased maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality I t is a common sign, reflecting a number of underlying disorders that may have different clinical outcomes. It is important that a woman with hypertension be diagnosed accurately so that the cause of the hypertension can be identified. She can then be informed about her likely clinical course and be managed appropriately. Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy are best managed with a multidisciplinary approach; the obstetrician should remain the doctor in charge and seek advice from other appropriate specialists (eg anaesthetists. neonatologists, physicians) where indicated. This document offers a framework for a team approach to the diagnosis, investigation and management of women with hypertension in pregnancy The recommendations are those of a multidisciplinary working party set up by the Australasian Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy to review and revise its previous guidelines for the detection, investigation and management of hypertension in pregnancy They are based on definitions and a classification system that reflect current knowledge. It is recommended that each obstetric unit develop its own management protocols.