OBSTETRIC COMPLICATIONS IN HYPERTENSIVE PREGNANT WOMEN AND THE ROLE OF THE NURSE

Abstract

Gestational hypertension is a clinical condition that manifests after the 20th week of gestation, representing one of the main causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Its most severe forms include pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, and placental abruption, which can progress to acute renal failure, stroke, prematurity, and intrauterine growth restriction. These complications reinforce the need for continuous monitoring and evidence-based care practices. In this context, nurses play an essential role in prenatal care, childbirth, and the postpartum period, acting in the identification of warning signs, blood pressure monitoring, health education, and humanized care, directly contributing to the prevention of complications and the promotion of maternal-fetal health. The objective of this research is to analyze the scientific evidence regarding obstetric complications associated with gestational hypertension and to highlight the role of nurses in the management and prevention of these conditions. To this end, an integrative literature review was conducted, encompassing articles published between 2015 and 2025, selected from national and international databases, that address hypertensive syndromes of pregnancy and nursing care during the pregnancy-puerperium cycle. Thus, it was observed that early identification and appropriate management significantly reduce the incidence of serious complications. Multiprofessional follow-up, combined with health education and clinical monitoring performed by the nurse, proved essential for better maternal and neonatal outcomes. The nurse's role is fundamental to the safety of the pregnant woman and the newborn, reinforcing the importance of updated care protocols and humanized practices.