Hypertension in pregnancy: Prevalence, risk factors and outcomes for women birthing in Ireland

Abstract

In Ireland where maternal age at childbirth is increasing, the association of hypertension with advancing age will undoubtedly contribute to a greater prevalence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and their potential adverse outcomes for pregnant women and their babies. This retrospective study highlights the prevalence rates in Ireland while also identifying possible risk factors and associated adverse pregnancy outcomes. They pinpoint the need for further research to look in more detail at risk factors and adverse outcomes for the 79% (n = 2790) of women presenting with pre-eclampsia among this large nationally representative sample of women.