Aim
To Identify the possible adverse effect of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy on newborn outcome in Gaza strip – Palestine.
Methods
A comparative analytical design was performed. Two groups of 215 hypertensive and another 215 normotensive mothers in the last pregnancy were recruited from primary health care centers in Gaza strip after 3-stage stratified random sampling technique. A detailed questionnaire filled through face to face structured interviews in addition to medical records revision in 2017. Chi-square and t-test were used to compare the outcomes between the two groups
Findings
27.8% of hypertensive pregnant women had preexisting hypertension (n=62) while the others developed pregnancy-induced hypertension (n=153, 71.2%). About 23.7% had gravida ≥ 7; 54.6% were obese (BMI > 30) and 21.9% had a history of twice or more abortions. Only 20% of hypertensive women received preconception care. The most significant adverse outcomes of newborns delivered for hypertensive mothers were to hospitals (12.5%, p=0.249) and neonatal death (2.8%, p=0.055).
Conclusion
The findings demonstrated that the newborns of women with hypertension are at higher risk to have adverse newborn outcomes compared to normotensive women in Gaza Strip. Preconception, early diagnosis and intensive prenatal follow-up would improve maternal and fetal prognosis.