round 10% of women experience some form of
hypertension during pregnancy [1,2], which may
be preexisting or pregnancy-induced. These pregnancies
carry a greater risk of a range of adverse perinatal
outcomes, including maternal and foetal death [3–5], intrauterine
growth restriction of the infant and preterm birth
[6–8]. However, pregnancy is a period of substantial change
in blood pressure, with an early pregnancy decrease followed
by a steep rise in the latter half of pregnancy [9,10].
There is evidence that, even among women without preexisting
hypertension or preeclampsia [11], a greater
increase in blood pressure, and the maximum level
reached, are also associated with reduced foetal growth