Management of hypertension in pregnancy: a descriptive report of two clinic practices.

Objective

To describe the current clinical practice in the treatment of hypertension in pregnancy.

Methods

Retrospective chart review described hypertension treatment of pregnant women in two urban clinics in Minnesota USA, over 27 months. Data elements collected: blood pressure (BP) readings with gestational age, goal BP documented, and pharmacological treatments utilized.

Results

Sixty patients had multiple elevated BP readings in prenatal care encounters. Of 60 included patients, 18 were treated with antihypertensives and 11 had documented BP goals. Documented goal BPs varied in numeric goal and some only listed systolic or diastolic goal.

Conclusion

Inconsistencies exist in current treatment and documentation of hypertension in pregnancy.