Patient Education and Counseling

• Patient education and counseling for gestational hypertension are essential to prevent complications, promote compliance and improve outcomes.
• Some patient education and counseling topics include:
  • The causes, risk factors and complications of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia
  • The signs and symptoms of worsening condition or preeclampsia that require immediate medical attention
  • The importance of regular prenatal visits and blood pressure monitoring at home
  • The medications prescribed for lowering blood pressure and preventing seizures, their dosages, side effects and interactions
  • The lifestyle modifications such as bed rest, fluid intake, sodium restriction and stress management
  • The delivery options such as induction of labor, cesarean section or vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC)
  • The postpartum care such as breastfeeding, contraception and follow-up visits