what is pih in pregnancy

Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is a form of high blood pressure that occurs after 20 weeks of gestation in women with previously normal blood pressure. PIH includes gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, and eclampsia. PIH is a major cause of maternal, fetal, and newborn morbidity and mortality. The diagnosis of PIH is confirmed when a pregnant woman attending delivery service has high blood pressure (³140/90mmHg) after 28 weeks of gestation, measured two times six hours apart by trained data collectors and with or without proteinuria. If untreated, severe PIH may cause dangerous seizures and even death in the mother and fetus. PIH can also lead to fetal problems including intrauterine growth restriction (poor fetal growth) and stillbirth. Women with PIH are at a greater risk of abruptio placentae, cerebrovascular events, organ failure, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. PIH can be monitored through laboratory testing of urine and blood, medications, and delivery of the baby.