Clinicodemographic Profile and Maternal-Fetal Outcomes among Pregnant Women with Hypertensive Disorders: An Observational Study

Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy remain a major contributor to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income settings where delayed diagnosis and late referral continue to influence outcomes.

Objectives: To evaluate the clinicodemographic profile, clinical spectrum, and maternal-fetal outcomes among pregnant women diagnosed with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in a tertiary care teaching hospital.

Methods: This observational study was conducted at Maharajahs Institute of Medical Sciences, Nellimarla, Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, India, from January 2025 to December 2025. A total of 100 pregnant women with gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, eclampsia, or chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia were included. Clinicodemographic variables, obstetric characteristics, clinical presentation, and maternal and neonatal outcomes were recorded using a structured proforma and analyzed descriptively.

Results: The mean maternal age was 26.9 ± 4.8 years, and 34.0% of women were aged 25-29 years. Rural residence [62.0%], booked status [72.0%], and multigravidity [56.0%] were common. Half of the women were diagnosed after 34 weeks of gestation. Gestational hypertension was the most frequent disorder [38.0%], followed by preeclampsia without severe features [26.0%]. Severe hypertension at admission was present in 30.0%, and proteinuria in 54.0%. Vaginal delivery occurred in 54.0% and cesarean section in 46.0%. Preterm delivery [32.0%], low birth weight [34.0%], fetal growth restriction [22.0%], NICU admission [18.0%], stillbirth [4.0%], and early neonatal death [3.0%] were notable adverse outcomes. Severe preeclampsia and eclampsia showed poorer maternal and neonatal outcomes than milder disease categories.

Conclusion: Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy were associated with substantial maternal and fetal morbidity in this cohort, with adverse outcomes being more frequent in severe disease. Early antenatal detection, careful monitoring, timely referral, and appropriate intrapartum management are essential to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes.