Intraabdominal pressure as a marker for physiologic and pathologic processes in pregnancy

Increased intraabdominal pressure (IAP) can result in compression of the abdominal-pelvic venous system leading to signs and symptoms of end organ dysfunction. It has been hypothesized as a pathophysiologic process of preeclampsia. We aim to evaluate the role of IAP in normotensive vs preeclamptic, and singleton vs twin pregnancies. We hypothesized that IAP would be higher in preeclamptics and twins. Women undergoing scheduled cesarean delivery were enrolled in four groups: Singletons- Preeclamptic and Normotensive, Twins- Preeclamptic and Normotensive. Elevated IAP was seen in singleton pregnancies with preeclampsia, representing a pathologic process; and in all twin pregnancies, suggesting a physiologic process.