Fetal and Maternal Outcomes among Pregnancies Complicated by Hypertensive Disorders at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Nepal

Abstract

Background
Hypertensive disorders during pregnancy are major contributors to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. They complicate approximately 5-10% of pregnancies and are among the most common medical disorders encountered during pregnancy. This study aimed to evaluate maternal and fetal outcomes among hypertensive pregnancies compared with normotensive pregnancies. To compare maternal and fetal outcomes between hypertensive and normotensive pregnancies at a tertiary care hospital in Nepal.
Methods
A hospital-based prospective matched comparative study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dhulikhel Hospital, Nepal, from August 2025 to February 2026. A total of 240 pregnant women were enrolled, including 120 hypertensive and 120 normotensive women. Case and Controls were matched by parity. . Data were collected using structured questionnaires, interviews, and medical record review. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using SPSS version 21. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
Antepartum hemorrhage (OR=3.14, p=0.016), postpartum hemorrhage (OR=2.43, p=0.026), NICU admission (OR=5.52, p<0.001), and low birth weight (OR=3.80, p=0.001) were significantly higher among hypertensive pregnancies. Neonatal death and low Apgar score were higher but not statistically significant.
Conclusions
Hypertensive disorders during pregnancy were associated with significantly increased maternal and fetal complications. Early diagnosis, close monitoring, and timely management are essential to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes.