Clinical Research Directory

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Singleton parturients from 18 to 40 years old. 2. Either normotensive or preeclamptic parturients scheduled for elective cesarean section under neuro-axial block matched for gestational age 28-40 weeks will be included: 3. Normotensive group: uncomplicated normotensive pregnancy with systolic blood pressure below 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure below 90mmHg without proteinuria. 4. Preeclamptic Group: new onset preeclamptic pregnant female with gestational hypertension after 20 weeks of pregnancy diagnosed based on ISSHP Guidelines: systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg and/or a diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg, accompanied by one or more of the following: * Proteinuria (≥300 mg in a 24-hour urine sample) * Alb/Cr ratio ≥30 mg/mmol, * Organ dysfunction (renal insufficiency (creatinine level\>1.1mg%), liver involvement (liver enzyme levels ≥3 times normal), neurological complications (Headache and blurring of vision) and hematological involvement (thrombocytopenia\<100.000)). Exclusion Criteria: 1. Parturients with pre-existing cardiac \& vascular disease affecting blood volume and vascular compliance: (Valvular or congenital heart disease, arrhythmia, previous history of venous thromboembolism, chronic kidney disease, gestational diabetes). 2. multiple gestations 3. known thyroid disorders or chronic hypertension 4. patients with BMI \>40 and patients requiring emergency delivery.