Prevalence of Gestational Hypertensive Disorder in Overweight and Obese Antenatal Women in a Tertiary Care Centre

Abstract

Introduction: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy constitute a substantial global burden contributing to maternal and perinatal morbidity & mortality. The increasing prevalence of obesity among women of reproductive age further predisposes them to gestational hypertensive disorders and adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy with elevated pre-pregnancy BMI and to evaluate maternal and fetal outcomes in a tertiary care centre.

Materials & methods: This retrospective, hospital-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), between June 2023 to June 2025, and enrolled 202 pregnant women classified as overweight or obese. Variables required for the study were collected from existing hospital records. Prevalence of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy and various maternal & fetal complications were taken as study outcomes. Data were analysed using SPSS software version 25.0.

Results: In our present study, the prevalence of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP) was 51.4% (n = 104), out of 202 patients. Most of the participants (67.82%) (n = 137) belonged to the 21-30 years age group, and 48.51% (n = 98) fell under the socioeconomic status class III of the modified Kuppuswamy classification. 53.96% participants (n = 109) had more than the recommended weight gain during pregnancy. Among the 104 patients with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, 48.07% women (n = 50) had gestational hypertension, followed by non-severe pre-eclampsia among 25% patients (n = 26). Regarding maternal complications, 9.61% patients (n = 10) had gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), 1.92% women (n = 2) had abruptio placentae, and 9.61% women (n = 10) had postpartum infection. However, the majority of participants didn't have any antepartum, intrapartum, or postpartum complications. With respect to fetal complications, 26.92% women (n = 28) with HDP had preterm delivery, and 24.03% women (n = 25) had fetal distress. 47 babies required NICU admission, among which 53.19% of newborns (n = 25) were admitted for preterm care.

Conclusion: Overweight and obese pre-pregnancy BMI significantly increases the likelihood of developing hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. These disorders can result in various adverse consequences for both the pregnant mothers and their newborns.