Abstract

Hypertension during pregnancy, including chronic hypertension and pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders such 
as preeclampsia and eclampsia, remains a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality globally. In 
West Africa, where healthcare infrastructure is often inadequate, the incidence of hypertension during pregnancy is 
alarmingly high. Socioeconomic status (SES), encompassing factors such as income, education, employment, and 
access to healthcare, plays a pivotal role in shaping maternal health outcomes. This review examines the complex 
relationship between SES and hypertension during pregnancy in West Africa, focusing on how lower SES 
contributes to increased risks of hypertensive disorders and poor maternal health outcomes. Women from lower 
SES backgrounds face multiple challenges, including limited access to healthcare, inadequate nutrition, poor living 
conditions, and higher stress levels, all of which heighten their risk of developing hypertension. The study highlights 
the importance of addressing social determinants of health, such as education, income, and healthcare access, to 
mitigate hypertension-related complications in pregnancy. By exploring these factors, this review aims to inform 
the development of targeted public health strategies that improve maternal health outcomes and reduce maternal 
mortality in the region.