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Chapter 25 - Hypertensive Disorders in Labour and Delivery

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 October 2025

By
Sophie Earle  and
James J. Walker
Edited by
Sir Sabaratnam Arulkumaran
Sir Sabaratnam Arulkumaran
Affiliation:
St George's Hospital Medical School, University of London
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Summary

This chapter discusses the diagnosis and management of severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia during labour and delivery. Maternal outcome has improved greatly in the last 50 years but there is much room for improvement. It emphasises the importance of accurate diagnosis, timely intervention, vigilant care prior to, during and after birth, and the use of evidence-based guidelines to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity. The chapter covers diagnostic criteria, maternal and fetal assessment and monitoring, antihypertensive therapy, seizure management, delivery guidelines and postpartum care. It emphasises the importance of lowering blood pressure and fluid management to combat the main cause of mortality and delivery on the best day in the best way.

Keywords

pre-eclampsiamaternal mortalityhypertensionproteinuriaevidence-based guidelinesantihypertensive therapymagnesium sulphatefluid balancedeliverypostnatal care

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Type
Chapter
Information
Best Practice in Labour and Delivery , pp. 319 - 330
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2025

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References

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