Incidence of gestational hypertension among pregnant women in the rural population of District Amritsar-A community based study

Gestational hypertension (GHTN) is defined as a new rise in blood pressure (BP) =140/90mm Hg or more, presenting at or after 20 weeks gestation without significant proteinuria.

To determine the frequency of hypertension among Pregnant women in the rural community of Dist. Amritsar and to assess the association between gestational hypertension and selected variables.

A cross sectional case control study was conducted among pregnant women in the Rural Health Centre Mallu-Nangal under the Department of Community Health Centre, Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, Amritsar. Interviewer administered validated questionnaire was used that included in addition to socio-demography information, medical and obstetric history. Two blood pressure readings were taken after the patient was fully relaxed using a digital manometer and an average of both the readings was taken. A formal consent was taken from the pregnant mother after explaining the purpose of the study. Ethical approval to conduct the study was taken from the Ethical Committee of the Institution.

Data were statistically analyzed and Chi-square test was used to test the significance of association.

The study included 189 pregnant women. Hypertension was observed in 11 pregnant women (5.8%). The frequency of Hypertension was higher with increasing age, illiteracy, Hindu women, women with more than 20 weeks of gestation, in nulliparous women, women with history of pre-term baby, IUD, hypertension during previous pregnancy, and family history of hypertension. Conclusion: The frequency of hypertension in pregnancy was found to be 5.8%. Early diagnosis and treatment through regular antenatal checkup is a key factor to prevent hypertension during pregnancy and its complications.