Hypertension in Pregnancy

What is Hypertension in Pregnancy?
Hypertension in pregnancy includes chronic hypertension and pregnancy-associated hypertension (i.e., gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, eclampsia, and preeclampsia/ eclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension). It is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality and is associated with earlier onset of sustained chronic hypertension and increased incidence of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular mortality. Because postpartum exacerbation of severe hypertension is common, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that patients with severe hypertension during childbirth hospitalization be seen within 72 hours after discharge. 

What is the Hypertension in Pregnancy Change Package?
The Hypertensionin Pregnancy Change Package (HPCP) was developed in partnership with the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOOG), American Medical Association (AMA), National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health (NPWH), and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM). It presents an evidence-informed listing of process improvements with accompanying tools and resources that outpatient clinicians and care team members can implement as they provide care to pregnant and postpartum women and women of reproductive age with a focus on early identification, optimal management, and prevention of complications of hypertension in pregnancy. 

Download the Hypertension in Pregnancy Change Package