Early human development
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The offspring of women with hypertension during pregnancy are at increased risk of low birthweight, preterm birth, diseases of prematurity and death. The risk of developing these outcomes among women with either preeclampsia or chronic hypertension, relative to those with gestational hypertension, is not known. ⋯ Relative to women with isolated gestational hypertension, those who develop preeclampsia, either with or without underlying chronic hypertension, experience worse perinatal outcomes. A history of previous preterm delivery and maternal smoking increase the rate preterm birth and major perinatal disease. Antihypertensive and prednisone therapy may be important risk factors for adverse perinatal events, but further research is needed to confirm these findings.