Hypertensive women, on getting pregnant, are at risk of worsening Hypertension and therefore need to be on close follow up. Their anti-Hypertensive medication needs to be changed to the drugs that are safe during pregnancy. Long standing Hypertension may have affected the kidney function which may deteriorate further during the pregnancy.
Hence, assessment of kidney function at the beginning of pregnancy is important. The risk of complications is low in those with mild to moderate Hypertension; but those with severe Hypertension at an increased risk of complications like pre-eclampsia, placental abruption and intra-uterine growth restriction.