To determine the prevalence of pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) in rural Zimbabwe. A blood pressure survey conducted in three socio-economic strata of rural Zimbabwe, communal lands, commercial farms and mining areas. Rural Zimbabwe, Mashonaland West Province. 627 pregnant (> 20 weeks gestation) and 483 non pregnant (ages 16 to 45) women. Prevalence of PIH. PIH was defined in two ways: 1. A combination of > or = 2+ proteinuria and systolic and/or diastolic pressure > or = SD above the mean for all pregnant women (> or = 123/75 mmHg). 2. > or = 1+ proteinuria and blood pressure of 140 and/or 90 mmHg. Eight women met definition 1 and seven met definition 2, giving a prevalence of 0.8pc; 1.3pc and 3.2pc in communal lands, commercial farms and mines respectively. In non-pregnant women the prevalence of hypertension (> or = 160 and/or 95 mmHg) was 3.5pc; 5.4pc and 15.1pc in communal lands, commercial farms and mines respectively. PIH is rare in rural Zimbabwe. Hypertension among non-pregnant women of child bearing age is most common in mining communities which have many similarities to urban environments.