Gestational hypertension: Difference between revisions
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Gestational | {{SI}} | ||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Gestational hypertension | |||
| image = [[File:Hypertrophic_decidual_vasculopathy_intermed_mag.jpg|left|thumb|Hypertrophic decidual vasculopathy]] | |||
| caption = Histopathological image showing hypertrophic decidual vasculopathy, a condition associated with gestational hypertension | |||
| field = [[Obstetrics]] | |||
| synonyms = Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) | |||
| symptoms = [[High blood pressure]], [[proteinuria]], [[edema]] | |||
| complications = [[Preeclampsia]], [[eclampsia]], [[HELLP syndrome]], [[placental abruption]] | |||
| onset = After 20 weeks of [[gestation]] | |||
| duration = Until delivery | |||
| causes = Unknown, but risk factors include [[first pregnancy]], [[multiple gestation]], [[obesity]], [[diabetes mellitus]], [[chronic hypertension]] | |||
| risks = [[Preterm birth]], [[fetal growth restriction]], [[placental abruption]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Blood pressure]] measurement, [[urinalysis]] | |||
| differential = [[Chronic hypertension]], [[preeclampsia]], [[white coat hypertension]] | |||
| prevention = [[Aspirin]] in high-risk individuals, [[calcium supplementation]] | |||
| treatment = [[Antihypertensive medication]], [[bed rest]], [[induction of labor]] if necessary | |||
| prognosis = Generally good with proper management, but can lead to complications if untreated | |||
| frequency = Affects 6-8% of pregnancies | |||
| deaths = Rare with proper management | |||
}} | |||
[[File:Gray39.png|Gestational hypertension|thumb|left]] | |||
Gestational hypertension is a condition characterized by high blood pressure that develops during pregnancy, typically after 20 weeks of gestation, in women who previously had normal blood pressure. It is a form of [[hypertensive disorders of pregnancy]] and can lead to serious complications for both the mother and the fetus if not properly managed. | Gestational hypertension is a condition characterized by high blood pressure that develops during pregnancy, typically after 20 weeks of gestation, in women who previously had normal blood pressure. It is a form of [[hypertensive disorders of pregnancy]] and can lead to serious complications for both the mother and the fetus if not properly managed. | ||
==Pathophysiology== | ==Pathophysiology== | ||
The exact cause of gestational hypertension is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and immunological factors. The condition is thought to result from abnormal placentation, leading to poor placental perfusion and the release of factors that cause widespread endothelial dysfunction and vasoconstriction. | The exact cause of gestational hypertension is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and immunological factors. The condition is thought to result from abnormal placentation, leading to poor placental perfusion and the release of factors that cause widespread endothelial dysfunction and vasoconstriction. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Gestational hypertension is diagnosed when a pregnant woman has a systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or higher, or a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or higher, on two separate occasions at least four hours apart, after 20 weeks of gestation. Unlike [[preeclampsia]], gestational hypertension is not accompanied by significant proteinuria or signs of end-organ dysfunction. | Gestational hypertension is diagnosed when a pregnant woman has a systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or higher, or a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or higher, on two separate occasions at least four hours apart, after 20 weeks of gestation. Unlike [[preeclampsia]], gestational hypertension is not accompanied by significant proteinuria or signs of end-organ dysfunction. | ||
==Management== | ==Management== | ||
The management of gestational hypertension involves regular monitoring of blood pressure and fetal well-being. Lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes and increased physical activity, may be recommended. In some cases, antihypertensive medications may be prescribed to control blood pressure. The choice of medication depends on the severity of hypertension and the gestational age. | The management of gestational hypertension involves regular monitoring of blood pressure and fetal well-being. Lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes and increased physical activity, may be recommended. In some cases, antihypertensive medications may be prescribed to control blood pressure. The choice of medication depends on the severity of hypertension and the gestational age. | ||
==Complications== | ==Complications== | ||
Gestational hypertension can progress to preeclampsia, a more severe condition that poses significant risks to both the mother and the fetus. Other potential complications include placental abruption, preterm birth, and fetal growth restriction. Women with gestational hypertension are also at increased risk of developing chronic hypertension later in life. | Gestational hypertension can progress to preeclampsia, a more severe condition that poses significant risks to both the mother and the fetus. Other potential complications include placental abruption, preterm birth, and fetal growth restriction. Women with gestational hypertension are also at increased risk of developing chronic hypertension later in life. | ||
==Prognosis== | ==Prognosis== | ||
With appropriate management, most women with gestational hypertension can expect a favorable outcome. Blood pressure typically returns to normal within 12 weeks postpartum. However, women with a history of gestational hypertension should be monitored for the development of chronic hypertension in subsequent years. | With appropriate management, most women with gestational hypertension can expect a favorable outcome. Blood pressure typically returns to normal within 12 weeks postpartum. However, women with a history of gestational hypertension should be monitored for the development of chronic hypertension in subsequent years. | ||
==Prevention== | ==Prevention== | ||
There is no guaranteed way to prevent gestational hypertension, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle before and during pregnancy may reduce the risk. This includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. | There is no guaranteed way to prevent gestational hypertension, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle before and during pregnancy may reduce the risk. This includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. | ||
==Also see== | ==Also see== | ||
* [[Preeclampsia]] | * [[Preeclampsia]] | ||
| Line 26: | Line 39: | ||
* [[Chronic hypertension in pregnancy]] | * [[Chronic hypertension in pregnancy]] | ||
* [[Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy]] | * [[Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy]] | ||
{{Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy}} | {{Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy}} | ||
[[Category:Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy]] | [[Category:Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy]] | ||
[[Category:Pregnancy complications]] | [[Category:Pregnancy complications]] | ||
[[Category:Obstetrics]] | [[Category:Obstetrics]] | ||
Latest revision as of 04:22, 9 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Gestational hypertension | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | High blood pressure, proteinuria, edema |
| Complications | Preeclampsia, eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, placental abruption |
| Onset | After 20 weeks of gestation |
| Duration | Until delivery |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Unknown, but risk factors include first pregnancy, multiple gestation, obesity, diabetes mellitus, chronic hypertension |
| Risks | Preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, placental abruption |
| Diagnosis | Blood pressure measurement, urinalysis |
| Differential diagnosis | Chronic hypertension, preeclampsia, white coat hypertension |
| Prevention | Aspirin in high-risk individuals, calcium supplementation |
| Treatment | Antihypertensive medication, bed rest, induction of labor if necessary |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Generally good with proper management, but can lead to complications if untreated |
| Frequency | Affects 6-8% of pregnancies |
| Deaths | Rare with proper management |

Gestational hypertension is a condition characterized by high blood pressure that develops during pregnancy, typically after 20 weeks of gestation, in women who previously had normal blood pressure. It is a form of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and can lead to serious complications for both the mother and the fetus if not properly managed.
Pathophysiology[edit]
The exact cause of gestational hypertension is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and immunological factors. The condition is thought to result from abnormal placentation, leading to poor placental perfusion and the release of factors that cause widespread endothelial dysfunction and vasoconstriction.
Diagnosis[edit]
Gestational hypertension is diagnosed when a pregnant woman has a systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or higher, or a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or higher, on two separate occasions at least four hours apart, after 20 weeks of gestation. Unlike preeclampsia, gestational hypertension is not accompanied by significant proteinuria or signs of end-organ dysfunction.
Management[edit]
The management of gestational hypertension involves regular monitoring of blood pressure and fetal well-being. Lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes and increased physical activity, may be recommended. In some cases, antihypertensive medications may be prescribed to control blood pressure. The choice of medication depends on the severity of hypertension and the gestational age.
Complications[edit]
Gestational hypertension can progress to preeclampsia, a more severe condition that poses significant risks to both the mother and the fetus. Other potential complications include placental abruption, preterm birth, and fetal growth restriction. Women with gestational hypertension are also at increased risk of developing chronic hypertension later in life.
Prognosis[edit]
With appropriate management, most women with gestational hypertension can expect a favorable outcome. Blood pressure typically returns to normal within 12 weeks postpartum. However, women with a history of gestational hypertension should be monitored for the development of chronic hypertension in subsequent years.
Prevention[edit]
There is no guaranteed way to prevent gestational hypertension, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle before and during pregnancy may reduce the risk. This includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
