Approximately, what is the incidence of PIH in women with BMI >35?

Approximately, what is the incidence of PIH in women with BMI >35?

• A. 4.3%
• B. 13.3%
• C. 25%
• D. 40%

Answer: (B)

Obesity increases the risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension through mechanisms like endothelial dysfunction, heightened inflammation from adipose tissue, and insulin resistance that affect placental blood flow. In women with BMI over 35, this risk translates to about 13%—roughly one in eight pregnancies—so around 13.3% is the best estimate among the options. The lower figures reflect baseline risk or lower BMI groups, while the much higher numbers (25% or 40%) do not align with typical data on PIH risk in severe obesity.

Obesity increases the risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension through mechanisms like endothelial dysfunction, heightened inflammation from adipose tissue, and insulin resistance that affect placental blood flow. In women with BMI over 35, this risk translates to about 13%—roughly one in eight pregnancies—so around 13.3% is the best estimate among the options. The lower figures reflect baseline risk or lower BMI groups, while the much higher numbers (25% or 40%) do not align with typical data on PIH risk in severe obesity.