The role of the general practitioner in monitoring pregnant women with hypertension

Abstract

High blood pressure (hypertension) can be one of the most important causes of morbidity or mortality, both maternal and fetal. Monitoring the values of blood pressure during pregnancy and the impact on the health of the pregnant woman and the evolution of the pregnancy by the general practitioner is one of the main prophylactic measures. Surveillance of the pregnant woman, even from the first month of pregnancy, and the identification of risk factors for hypertension are the basis of a diagnosis and early therapeutic intervention, in order to prevent complications. The guidelines also address the intervention and postpartum counseling of these pregnant women on the risk of developing other cardiovascular complications over time, as well as the risk that the next pregnancy will have pregnancy-induced hypertension. The general practitioner, through these interventions, is an important link in the multidisciplinary monitoring team of pregnant women at risk for pregnancy-induced hypertension.

Keywords

• pregnant
• high blood pressure
• general practitioner