Figure 3.

Graphical presentation of the gradual deterioration of the maternal circulation from first to third trimester in pregnancies, destined to develop gestational hypertension, early- or late-onset preeclampsia [113]. The maternal cardiovascular system is depicted as a circle, with different components and parameters, explained in the legend on top. Normal functioning components are not shown in the diagram; the depicted components are those where abnormal measurements were obtained, relative to normal pregnancies. As is shown, each gestational hypertensive disorder presents in the first trimester with a unique combination of dysfunctional cardiovascular components, and with advancing pregnancy this is followed by a type-specific pathophysiologic pathway. Characteristics of abnormal venous hemodynamics are present in early- and late-onset preeclampsia, but not in gestational hypertension.