Comparison of the risk factors for preeclampsia and
gestational hypertension may provide insight into the
etiologic mechanisms related to these conditions. To
date, most epidemiologic and etiologic research has
focused on preeclampsia, although maternal smoking
and leisure time physical activity have been associated
with reduced risks of both preeclampsia and gestational hypertension within the same study base (7, 8).
Using the population-based Swedish Medical Birth
Register, we have compared, in a well-defined cohort,
maternal and pregnancy characteristics associated with
the development of preeclampsia or gestational hypertension.