Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy Diagnosis: 7 Essential Tests For Mothers

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are characterized by high blood pressure during pregnancy, such as gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and eclampsia. Symptoms include high blood pressure, proteinuria, swelling, headaches, and vision changes.

 

7 Tests to Diagnose Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy diagnosis involve identifying high blood pressure conditions during pregnancy. Tests like blood pressure monitoring and urine analysis help assess maternal and fetal well-being for positive outcomes.

 

Here is a list of common tests used in the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy diagnosis:

1. Blood pressure measurement
2. Urine analysis for proteinuria
3. Complete blood count (CBC)
4. Liver function tests
5. Kidney function tests
6. Ultrasound
7. Non-stress test (NST)

 

 

1. Blood Pressure Measurement

• Essential diagnostic test for assessing blood pressure levels.
• Non-invasive procedure using a sphygmomanometer or automated device.
• Helps identify hypertension and monitor response to treatment.

Blood Pressure Measurement Test	Details
Also Known As	Blood pressure check
Purpose	Assessing blood pressure levels
Sample	None
Preparation	Relax for a few minutes
Procedure	Use an automated device to measure BP
Test Timing	A few minutes
Test Price (INR)	100-500
Result Value	Systolic pressure(mmHg)
Normal Value	Below 120/80 mmHg
Accuracy	Equipment Quality
Interpretation	Higher readings may indicate hypertension; lower readings may suggest hypotension

Blood pressure measurement is a non-invasive test to assess blood pressure levels. It helps detect hypertension or hypotension, guiding further interpretation and intervention.

 

2. Urine Analysis for Proteinuria

• Diagnostic test to detect abnormal levels of protein in urine.
• Indicates kidney dysfunction or damage in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
• Helps guide treatment decisions and monitor renal health during pregnancy.

Urine Analysis for Proteinuria Test	Details
Also Known As	Urine protein test
Purpose	Detect abnormal levels of protein
Sample	Urine sample
Preparation	Collect a clean-catch midstream
Procedure	Laboratory analysis
Test Timing	2-4 hours
Test Price (INR)	200-1000
Result Value	Presence of protein (mg/dL or g/24h)
Normal Value	<150 mg/dL or <150 mg/24h
Accuracy	Accurate sample collection
Interpretation	Elevated protein levels may indicate kidney dysfunction or damage

Urine analysis for proteinuria detects abnormal protein levels in the urine, aiding in the diagnosis of kidney dysfunction. Elevated levels may indicate potential kidney damage or disease.

 

3. Complete Blood Count (CBC)

• Comprehensive blood test assessing red and white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin levels.
• Identifies anemia, infections, and abnormalities in blood cell counts.
• Aids in diagnosing and monitoring various conditions, including hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test	Details
Also Known As	Full blood count
Purpose	Assess blood organs
Sample	Blood sample
Preparation	None
Procedure	Laboratory analysis
Test Timing	2-4 hours
Test Price (INR)	300-1500
Result Value	Hemoglobin levels (cells/μL or g/dL)
Normal Value	Varies by age, gender
Accuracy	Proper sample handling
Interpretation	Abnormalities in blood cell counts may indicate anemia, infection

The Complete Blood Count (CBC) test assesses blood cell counts, hemoglobin levels, and platelets. It helps detect anemia, infections, and other blood-related conditions by analyzing various blood components.

 

4. Liver Function Tests

• Evaluates liver health and detect abnormalities in liver enzymes and function.
• Helps diagnose liver diseases and assess liver damage in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
• Assists in monitoring the effectiveness of treatment and overall liver function.

Liver Function Tests	Details
Also Known As	LFTs, Liver panel
Purpose	Evaluate liver health & function
Sample	Blood sample
Preparation	Fasting for 8-12 hours
Procedure	Laboratory analysis of liver enzymes
Test Timing	2-4 hours
Test Price (INR)	500-2000
Result Value	Levels of liver enzymes, bilirubin
Normal Value	Varies for each liver enzyme
Accuracy	Methodology precision
Interpretation	Abnormal liver function test results may indicate liver disease, damage, or dysfunction

Liver function tests (LFTs) evaluate liver health by measuring enzyme and marker levels in the blood. Abnormal results indicate liver disease or dysfunction, aiding in diagnosis and monitoring.

 

5. Kidney Function Tests

• Assess renal function by measuring levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN).
• Detects kidney dysfunction or damage in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
• Helps guide treatment decisions and monitor kidney health during pregnancy.

Kidney Function Tests	Details
Also Known As	Kidney panel
Purpose	Assess kidney function
Sample	Blood & urine samples
Preparation	Fasting for 8-12 hours
Procedure	Lab analysis of creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
Test Timing	2-4 hours
Test Price (INR)	500-2000
Result Value	Levels of creatinine, BUN
Normal Value	Varies for specific kidney marker
Accuracy	Renal accuracy
Interpretation	Abnormal kidney function test results may indicate kidney dysfunction, damage, or disease

Kidney function tests evaluate kidney health by measuring creatinine, BUN, and other markers. Abnormal results indicate kidney dysfunction or disease, aiding in diagnosis and monitoring of kidney-related conditions.

 

6. Ultrasound

• A non-invasive imaging technique using sound waves to visualize internal structures, including fetal growth.
• Evaluates fetal development, and placental health, and detect any abnormalities.
• Provides valuable information for monitoring and managing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Ultrasound Test	Details
Also Known As	Sonography
Purpose	Visualize internal structures using sound waves
Sample	None
Preparation	Specific instructions
Procedure	Use of a transducer to receive sound waves
Test Timing	30-45 minutes
Test Price (INR)	1000-5000
Result Value	Visual images of the examined area
Normal Value	No abnormalities
Accuracy	Visual accuracy
Interpretation	Provides detailed imaging of organs, tissues, and fetal development

Ultrasound, also known as sonography, uses sound waves to visualize internal structures. It provides detailed imaging for diagnosis and monitoring without invasive procedures.

 

7. Non-Stress Test (NST)

• Evaluates fetal heart rate and movement in response to uterine activity.
• Assesses fetal well-being and detects signs of distress or compromise.
• Used to monitor high-risk pregnancies, including hypertensive disorders, for timely intervention.

Non-Stress Test (NST)	Details
Also Known As	Fetal heart rate monitoring
Purpose	Assess fetal well-being
Sample	None
Preparation	None
Procedure	Monitoring fetal heart rate
Test Timing	20-60 minutes
Test Price (INR)	500-2000
Result Value	Fetal heart rate patterns
Normal Value	Appropriate fetal heart rate accelerations
Accuracy	Depends on the proper technique
Interpretation	Reactive NST indicates a healthy, responsive fetus, while non-reactive results may require further evaluation

Non-stress test (NST) assesses fetal well-being by monitoring heart rate in response to uterine activity. Reactive results indicate a healthy fetus, while non-reactive results may require further evaluation.

 

Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy Differential Diagnosis

Disease	Similar Diseases	Differentiating Factors
Gestational hypertension	Chronic hypertension	Gestational hypertension occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy, while chronic hypertension is present before pregnancy or before 20 weeks
Preeclampsia	Gestational hypertension	Preeclampsia includes high blood pressure and organ damage, whereas gestational hypertension is characterized by high blood pressure without organ damage
Chronic hypertension	Gestational hypertension	Chronic hypertension is present before pregnancy, while gestational hypertension develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy
Chronic hypertension	Preeclampsia	Preeclampsia includes high blood pressure and organ damage, while chronic hypertension is high blood pressure without organ damage
Chronic hypertension	Superimposed preeclampsia	Superimposed preeclampsia is characterized by worsening high blood pressure and organ damage on top of pre-existing chronic hypertension

The table compares hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, chronic hypertension, and superimposed preeclampsia, highlighting similar diseases and differentiating factors for accurate diagnosis and distinction.

 

Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy Tests Overview

Test Name	Blood Pressure Measurement	Urine Analysis for Proteinuria	Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Also Known As	Blood pressure check	Urine protein test	Full blood count
Purpose	Assessing blood pressure levels	Detect abnormal levels of protein in the urine	Evaluate blood cell counts
Sample	None	Urine sample	Blood sample
Preparation	Relax for a few minutes	Collect a clean-catch midstream urine	None
Procedure	Use a sphygmomanometer	Laboratory analysis	Laboratory analysis
Test Timing	A few minutes	2-4 hours	2-4 hours
Test Price (INR)	100-500	200-1000	300-1500
Result Value	Systolic pressure / Diastolic pressure (mmHg)	Amount of protein (measured in mg/dL or g/24h)	Hemoglobin levels (measured in cells/μL or g/dL)
Normal Value	Below 120/80 mmHg	Less than 150 mg/dL or less than 150 mg/24h	Varies by age, gender
Accuracy	Equipment Quality	Proper sample collection	Depends on the laboratory equipment
Interpretation	Higher readings may indicate hypertension; lower readings may suggest hypotension	Elevated protein levels may indicate kidney dysfunction or damage	Abnormalities in blood cell counts may indicate anemia, infection, or other conditions

Blood pressure measurement is a non-invasive test to assess blood pressure levels, while urine analysis for proteinuria detects abnormal protein levels in urine. Complete blood count (CBC) evaluates blood cell counts and detects abnormalities such as anemia or infections.

 

7 Interesting Facts of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy Diagnosis

Here are 7 Interesting Facts about Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy Diagnosis

1. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy can occur after 20 weeks of gestation.
2. Preeclampsia can lead to organ damage, affecting the kidneys, liver, and brain.
3. Gestational hypertension is high blood pressure without organ damage.
4. Chronic hypertension can exist before pregnancy or before 20 weeks.
5. Superimposed preeclampsia worsens high blood pressure in women with pre-existing chronic hypertension.
6. Hypertensive disorders can increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight.
7. Regular prenatal check-ups and monitoring are crucial for early detection and management.

 

Conclusion

Timely and accurate hypertensive disorders of pregnancy diagnosis is crucial for maternal and fetal well-being. Regular prenatal check-ups and monitoring aid in early detection and proper management, minimizing risks associated with these conditions.

 

Reference

• Hypertensive disease of pregnancy - Wikipedia [1].
• Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy - PMC [2].
• High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy | cdc.gov [3].