Elevated blood pressure in the parturient

Preeclampsia is a multi-system disease that affects 6-8% of all pregnancies and is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality. Obstetric management includes treating the hypertension, preventing seizures with MgSO₄ and delivering the baby. Neuraidal anesthesia is the preferred method for labor analgesia and cesarean delivery. Prior to neuraxial anesthetic placement, hypertension should be treated, and both fluid and coagulation status must be assessed. General anesthesia is particularly dangerous because of the large swings in BP with laryngoscopy and the potential for difficulty with tracheal intubation.