Analyzing the Relationship between Non-Pharmacologic Interventions and Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension: An Integrative Review

Maternal and fetal health outcomes are threatened due to pregnancy-induced hypertension, which complicates nearly 6%–10% of pregnancies worldwide. This disease carries a high risk of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Medications are commonly used to reduce blood pressure and physical consequences related to high blood pressure. However, the use of medications does not resolve the disease as there is no pharmacological cure. Current evidence demonstrates the detrimental long-term effects of pregnancy-induced hypertension and the increased risk of future cardiac disease. Close surveillance and effective treatment during pregnancy is needed to prevent serious complications. The aim of this integrative review is to analyze the relationship between non-pharmacologic interventions and the evidence that supports their use in the treatment of pregnancy-induced hypertension. Recommendations for patient education and monitoring during pregnancy were devised as a result of this review. An analysis of the literature found an inverse relationship between non-pharmacologic interventions and pregnancy-induced hypertension. The review lays the foundation for the acknowledgment and integration of the identified common themes to better inform research, support a comprehensive understanding, and produce suggestions for practice to decrease the prevalence of pregnancy-induced hypertension