Frequency of Pregnancy Induced Hypertension in Primigravida

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy-induced hypertension is a common complication of initial pregnancies, being a leading cause of maternal and foetal morbidity. Primigravidas, due to a lack of prior obstetric history and immunologic accommodation, are vulnerable to PIH. Early diagnosis and locality-specific evidence are of prime importance for outcome enhancement, particularly for scenarios of late antenatal presentation. Objective: To determine the frequency of pregnancy induced hypertension in primigravida patients presenting to Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad. Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Duration and Place of Study: The study was conducted over a six-month period following ethical approval, at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad from October 2024 to February 2025. Methodology: A total of 119 primigravida women aged 18–35 years with gestational age >20 weeks were enrolled through non-probability consecutive sampling. Patients with pre-existing hypertension or chronic illnesses were excluded. Blood pressure was measured using standard auscultatory techniques. A diagnosis of PIH was made when systolic BP was ≥140 mmHg on two separate readings four hours apart without proteinuria. Results: The mean age of participants was 25.59±5.05 years. The frequency of PIH in primigravida patients was 18.5%. A significant association was found between PIH and positive family history of hypertension (p=0.001). A borderline association was noted with maternal age >30 years (p=0.050). Conclusion: Pregnancy-induced hypertension is not rare among primigravidas. A positive family history of hypertension is a potent predictor, which underlines the value of selective screening and early management techniques among high-risk patients.