Abstract
Aim: This study aimed to examine whether blood pressure ≥130/80 mmHg is an appropriate reference value for hypertension in pregnant women by conducting a meta-analysis of studies reporting maternal/perinatal outcomes according to blood pressure levels at <20 weeks of gestation.
Methods: The meta-analysis of studies identified through PubMed/MEDLINE and Ichushi-Web searches was conducted to evaluate the incidence of preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, preterm birth, and small-for-gestational-age birth.
Results: The meta-analysis of 12 prospective and retrospective cohort studies revealed that the risks of preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy were higher in women with blood pressure ≥120/80 mmHg, particularly ≥130/80 mmHg, relative to <120/80 mmHg. The risk of preterm birth was higher in women with blood pressure ≥120/80 mmHg, and significantly higher in those with blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg, relative to <120/80 mmHg. The risk of small-for-gestational-age birth did not differ significantly by blood pressure status.
Conclusions: Blood pressure ≥120/80 mmHg, particularly ≥130/80 mmHg, is associated with increased maternal and perinatal risks. We propose new blood pressure categories as normal (<120/80), high normal (120–129/<80), and elevated (130–139/80–89), although further studies will be needed to set ≥130/80 mmHg as a new reference for hypertension in pregnant women.
