Authors:
Robinson M
Authors notes:
Maturitas. 2013;74(3):206-207
Keywords:
Hypertensive diseases, pregnancy, effects on behaviour and cognition, late adulthood, in-utero,
Abstract:
Hypertensive diseases of pregnancy including gestational hypertension and preeclampsia continue to pose a major obstetric risk, responsible for around 12% of the global burden of maternal mortality.
Pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders are unpredictable in their onset and progression, and are curable only by termination of the pregnancy, usually birth.
There is increasing evidence that in addition to being a major cause of preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction and cerebral palsy, hypertensive diseases of pregnancy can also lead to later adverse behavioral and cognitive consequences for the offspring in childhood.
Recent research from Finland extends these findings through to old age, suggesting that far from being confined to neonatal and childhood life, the adverse consequences for cognition and behavior can last until later life.