What monitoring protocols should be followed for pregnant patients diagnosed with hypertension to ensure maternal and fetal safety?

For pregnant patients diagnosed with hypertension, **fetal monitoring** should include ultrasound assessments of fetal growth, amniotic fluid volume, and umbilical artery doppler velocimetry at diagnosis and regularly every 2 to 4 weeks if normal, with more frequent monitoring if indicated by clinical findings ¹.

In women with pre-eclampsia or severe gestational hypertension, **cardiotocography (CTG)** should be performed at diagnosis and only repeated if clinically indicated ¹.

Women with pre-eclampsia or severe hypertension should also undergo **ultrasound for fetal growth and amniotic fluid assessment, and umbilical artery doppler velocimetry at diagnosis and every 2 weeks if normal, with subsequent surveillance based on findings** ¹.

**Blood pressure** should be measured hourly during labour in women with hypertension, and every 15 to 30 minutes until blood pressure is less than 160/110 mmHg in women with severe hypertension ¹.

**Maternal blood tests** such as platelet count, transaminases, and serum creatinine should be monitored 48 to 72 hours after birth or step-down from critical care if women had pre-eclampsia, with repeat testing as needed until results normalize ¹.

Women should be advised to seek immediate medical review if they develop symptoms of pre-eclampsia, such as severe headaches, visual disturbances, or epigastric pain, and should have urine protein quantified if dipstick is positive ¹.