Gestational Hypertension: Hypertension in Antenatal Care

Goals & Objectives:

Course Overview

Hypertension during pregnancy is increasingly common and poses serious health risks for the mother and fetus. Rising cases of hypertensive disorders like pre-eclampsia and eclampsia highlight the need for specialized care. This course provides essential knowledge on the types, care, and treatment of hypertension in pregnancy, equipping healthcare providers with the ability to improve patient outcomes. 

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing this course, the learner should be able to:

• Recognize the prevalence and epidemiological trends of gestational hypertension.
• Recognize genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that increase the risk of gestational hypertension.
• Identify pre-existing conditions that predispose individuals to gestational hypertension.
• Distinguish gestational diabetes from other hypertensive disorders in pregnancy.
• Identify the severity and clinical presentation of gestational diabetes.
• Recognize the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to the development of gestational hypertension.
• Identify routine prenatal monitoring protocols, including blood pressure measurements and laboratory tests.
• Identify potential maternal and fetal complications associated with gestational hypertension.
• Generate non-pharmacologic intervention plans, including dietary, physical activity, and stress management recommendations.
• Manage antihypertensive medications, ensuring safety and efficacy for both mother and fetus.