National Women's Annual Clinical Report 2010

SGA is also increased in pre-eclamptic and chronically hypertensive groups, as is NICU
admission and prolonged NICU stay. This is most pronounced in the pre-eclamptic
group, probably reflecting the increased risk of prematurity and SGA in this group. The
perinatal mortality rates given may not reflect the true risk, because of the small numbers
in each hypertensive group. There were 11 perinatal deaths in the hypertensive group,
the same number as 2009.
Summary / Implications
Occurring at a rate of 8.5%, antenatal hypertensive disease continues to be the most
common medical complication associated with pregnancy at NW. Gestational
hypertension alone is not associated with significant adverse maternal or perinatal
outcomes. The negative pregnancy outcomes associated with the other hypertensive
conditions are again reflected in the 2010 data. This reemphasises the need to
adequately monitor hypertensive pregnancies and ensure timely referral for specialist
level care.
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