Around 10% of women will have their blood pressure recorded as above normal at
some point during pregnancy and childbirth. Pre-eclampsia complicates 2–8% of
pregnancies and may have serious effects on mother and baby, which makes it an
important threat to public health in both developed and developing countries.
Key messages
􀃎 A significant number of maternal deaths in developing countries are associated
with preeclampsia or eclampsia.
􀃎 There is insufficient evidence to draw reliable conclusions about the effects of
diuretics for the prevention of pre-eclampsia. In addition, diuretics may produce
side effects.
􀃎 There is insufficient evidence to draw reliable conclusions about the effects of
diuretics for the prevention of perinatal deaths.