NREMT Paramedic Practice

Which complication can arise from maternal hypertension in the context of pregnancy?

1. Gestational diabetes

2. Abruptio Placentae

3. Placenta previa

4. Preterm labor

The correct answer is: Abruptio Placentae

Maternal hypertension is associated with several potential complications during pregnancy, one of the most significant being abruptio placentae. This condition occurs when the placenta detaches from the uterine wall prematurely, which can lead to severe maternal and fetal morbidity. The increased blood pressure can cause damage to the blood vessels in the placenta, making it more susceptible to separations that can compromise blood flow to the fetus, leading to fetal distress or death. In addition to the risk of abruptio placentae, maternal hypertension can influence other complications, but these are not directly correlated in the same manner. For example, gestational diabetes is typically more related to metabolic changes and is not a direct complication of hypertension. Similarly, placenta previa, which is characterized by the placenta implanting over the cervical opening, and preterm labor, which may occur for various reasons, do not have a direct link to maternal hypertension. Therefore, recognizing abruptio placentae as a potential complication highlights the severity of uncontrolled hypertension during pregnancy and its implications for both maternal and fetal health.