The Effect of Normotensive Antenatal Blood Pressure of Women with Chronic Hypertension on Neonatal Weight [31R]

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Our objective was to determine if birth weight of infants of women with chronic hypertension is affected by range of antepartum blood pressure. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of patients with chronic hypertension at a single tertiary care center was completed. The difference in birth weight between women with mean antenatal blood pressures in the systolic range of <140 mmHg verses >140mmHg was assessed. A second analysis to assess mean antenatal diastolic blood pressure of <90mmHg versus >90 mmHg was completed. Chi squared analysis was utilized, with a P-value of <.05 used to indicate statistical significance. RESULTS: Data from 148 women with a diagnosis of chronic hypertension was analyzed. This analysis included both those taking antihypertensive medications and those who were not medicated. There was a significant difference in birth weight in normotensive (<140mmHg systolic or <90 mmHg diastolic) versus hypertensive pregnancies, with normotensive women bearing larger children. Median birth weight for those who had normotensive systolic blood pressures was 3,005g versus 2,450g for those who had hypertensive average systolic blood pressures (P=.008). Median birth weight was 2,997.5g for those with normotensive diastolic pressure averages versus 1,857.5g who were hypertensive (P<.001). CONCLUSION: Women with chronic hypertension in pregnancy deliver larger babies when blood pressures are in the normotensive range during the antepartum period.