International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology
Volume 16, Issue 4s

Effect of Oral Hydration Therapy on the Prevention of Gestational Hypertension and Preeclampsia: A Randomized Comparative Study

Dr. M. Vasantha Malini1, Dr. T. Sahiti Royal2*, Dr. N. Uma3, Dr. P. Anantha Tejaswi4

1MBBS, MD (Obstetrics & Gynaecology), Associate Professor, Department of OBG, NRI Institute of Medical Sciences, Sangivalasa, Visakhapatnam
2*MBBS, MS (Obstetrics & Gynecology), Assistant Professor, Department of OBG, NRI Institute of Medical Sciences, Sangivalasa, Visakhapatnam

(Corresponding Author)
3MBBS, MD (Obstetrics & Gynecology), Professor & HOD, Department of OBG, NRI Institute of Medical Sciences, Sangivalasa, Visakhapatnam, India
4MBBS, 2nd Year Postgraduate, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, NRI Institute of Medical Sciences, Sangivalasa, Visakhapatnam

ABSTRACT

Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy remain a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Optimizing maternal plasma volume through simple, low-cost interventions may help reduce the risk and severity of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia.

Objective: To evaluate whether oral hydration therapy (OHT) reduces the incidence of gestational hypertension/preeclampsia and improves selected maternal outcomes compared with routine care.

Methods: A prospective, randomized, comparative study was conducted among antenatal women at 20 weeks' gestation. Participants were allocated to OHT (n=100), counselled to consume at least 3 liters of water per day, and compared with control group receiving routine antenatal advice (n=100). Blood pressure, weight, urine albumin (dipstick), edema, urinary symptoms and amniotic fluid index (AFI) were recorded during routine visits and at delivery. Statistical tests included paired t-test and chi-square tests; p<0.05 was considered significant.

Results: Mean systolic blood pressure decreased significantly after OHT (98.0 ± 6.2 mmHg to 93.3 ± 5.8 mmHg; t=6.21, p<0.001). Pregnancy-induced hypertension/preeclampsia at term occurred in 5.0% of the OHT group vs 11.0% of controls (χ²=4.02, p=0.045). The OHT group had lower severity of pedal edema and lower urine albumin positivity, higher urinary frequency, fewer reported urinary tract infection symptoms, and fewer cases of oligohydramnios at delivery.

Conclusion: Oral hydration therapy is a simple, non-invasive, low-cost adjunct that was associated with reduced incidence of gestational hypertension/preeclampsia and improved selected maternal indicators. Larger studies with objective adherence and urine output measurement are warranted.

Keywords: oral hydration therapy; pregnancy; gestational hypertension; preeclampsia; plasma volume; amniotic fluid index.

How to cite this article: Malini MV, Royal TS, Uma N, Tejaswi PA, Effect of Oral Hydration Therapy on the Prevention of Gestational Hypertension and Preeclampsia: A Randomized Comparative Study. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(4s): 688-692; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.4s.80

Source of support: Nil

Conflict of interest: None