What can be a consequence of poorly managed hypertensive disorders for the infant?

Poorly managed hypertensive disorders during pregnancy can indeed lead to significant adverse outcomes for the infant, including low birth weight and prematurity.

Hypertensive disorders can impair blood flow to the placenta, resulting in inadequate nutrient and oxygen transfer to the developing fetus. This restriction can hinder fetal growth, leading to low birth weight. Additionally, these conditions are associated with an increased risk of premature delivery, either as a direct consequence of maternal health complications or due to the need for early delivery to safeguard both maternal and fetal health.

In contrast, other potential outcomes listed, such as increased fetal movement, higher birth weight, or improved overall health status, do not align with the known consequences of poorly managed hypertension. Fetal movement typically does not increase under these stress conditions, and both higher birth weight and improved health status are contrary to what is often seen with these complications. Therefore, recognizing the association between poorly managed hypertensive disorders and the risks of low birth weight and prematurity is critical for anticipating and addressing potential issues in the neonatal period.