A survey of hypertension in pregnancy at the King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban.

During a survey of all pregnant patients seen during 1 month at the King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban, the prevalence of hypertension in pregnancy proved to be 11,4%. The incidence in primigravidas was 17,8%, twice the figure in multigravid patients. The perinatal mortality rate for both groups of patients was increased, especially when proteinuria was also present. The infants born to the multigravid patient with hypertension and proteinuria not only have a higher risk of perinatal mortality (5 - 6-fold increase) but a significantly lower birth weight than the infant born to the primiparous patient.