Management of mild pregnancy-induced hypertension remote from term

The goal in the management of patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension is delivery of infants who will thrive physically and mentally without compromising maternal health in the process. Many therapeutic approaches have been recommended; however, none except delivery are curative. In the interest of maternal health, delivery is essential regardless of gestational age when severe preeclampsia or eclampsia is diagnosed. Conversely, women with mild pregnancy-induced hypertension remote from term may be managed conservatively with efforts directed toward prolonging gestation in order to maximize perinatal outcome. The regimen used at Parkland Memorial Hospital has proven to be safe and effective. We will continue to use this method of inpatient management until well-controlled studies are designed and conducted and yield comparably safe and efficacious outcomes.