Kumasi, March 26, - A Specialist Obstetrician-Gynaecologist has called for intensified public education on Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension (PIH) to help reduce maternal deaths in Ghana.
Wing Commander Dr Heindel Tonyi Senayah said hypertensive disorders in pregnancy remained one of the leading causes of maternal mortality, contributing an estimated 15 to 20 per cent of deaths nationwide.
He described PIH, also known as gestational hypertension, as a condition characterised by elevated blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy in women who previously had normal blood pressure.
Dr Senayah warned that the condition could become life-threatening if not detected early and properly managed, yet it continued to receive limited attention in public health education.
He explained that although PIH could not be completely reversed until delivery, early diagnosis and appropriate management — including close monitoring, antihypertensive treatment, and timely medical intervention — could significantly improve outcomes for both mother and baby.
“With hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, the condition can worsen unpredictably, which is why careful monitoring and timely decision-making are essential,” he said.
He noted that delivery of the baby and placenta remained the definitive treatment, but the timing depended on the severity of the condition, gestational age, and the health of both mother and child.
“In severe cases, early delivery may be necessary to protect the life of the mother,” he added.
Dr Senayah said the exact cause of PIH was not fully understood but was strongly linked to abnormal placental development and maternal vascular dysfunction.
He indicated that current evidence pointed to a combination of genetic, immunological, and environmental factors.
“The placenta plays a central role in the development of the disease,” he emphasised.
He identified key risk factors as maternal age below 20 years or above 40 years, multiple pregnancies, pre-existing hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and a history of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy.
Dr Senayah noted that while some women might not initially show symptoms, warning signs of severe cases included persistent headaches, visual disturbances, upper abdominal pain, and swelling.
He said the presence of protein in urine alongside high blood pressure indicated progression to preeclampsia, a more severe and dangerous condition.
According to him, most women recover after delivery, although some may continue to experience hypertension and require postnatal follow-up care.
He dismissed misconceptions linking PIH to the sex of the baby, spiritual causes, or personal habits, stressing that it was a medical condition that required prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Dr Senayah advised pregnant women to begin antenatal care early and attend regularly to enable timely detection of complications.
He also urged healthcare providers to refer high-risk cases promptly and called for improved access to specialist care across health facilities.
“Pregnancy should be safe, and with the right systems in place, many of these deaths can be prevented,” he said.
GHBUSS
March 26, 2026
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