What possible outcome results from untreated severe hypertension during pregnancy?

Severe hypertension during pregnancy can lead to several complications, one of the most significant being preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure and often involves damage to other organ systems, most notably the liver and kidneys. A critical feature of this condition is the presence of protein in the urine, indicating kidney involvement. The development of preeclampsia is considered a serious concern because it can progress to more severe forms of the disease, such as eclampsia, which includes the potential for seizures and can be life-threatening for both the mother and the fetus.

The relationship between severe hypertension and preeclampsia is well-established; the elevated blood pressure can disrupt normal placental blood flow, leading to complications.

While other outcomes such as preterm labor, gestational diabetes, and placental abruption may also occur in the context of high blood pressure during pregnancy, preeclampsia is a direct consequence specifically associated with untreated severe hypertension. Preeclampsia represents a clear medical emergency requiring close monitoring and intervention, emphasizing the critical nature of managing hypertension during pregnancy to prevent this potentially dangerous condition.