Gestational hypertension

Gestational hypertension is defined as a blood pressure (BP) of ≥140/90 mmHg on two occasions (at least 4 hours apart) after 20 weeks' gestation in a previously normotensive woman, without the presence of proteinuria or other clinical features (thrombocytopenia, impaired renal or kidney function, pulmonary edema, or new-onset headache) suggestive of preeclampsia.

Women with gestational hypertension are usually asymptomatic.

Women require regular monitoring of BP and urinalysis during the pregnancy to exclude preeclampsia.

Hypertension (systolic BP of 140 mmHg or more or diastolic BP of 90 mmHg or more, or both) is managed with lifestyle modification and/or antihypertensive therapy.

Severe hypertension (BP ≥160/110 mmHg) requires admission to the hospital for antihypertensive therapy.

For women ≥37 weeks' gestation, induction should be considered.

Gestational hypertension is defined by BP readings of ≥140/90 mmHg on two occasions at least 4 hours apart after 20 weeks' gestation in a previously normotensive woman, without the presence of proteinuria (<300 mg in 24 hours) or other clinical features (thrombocytopenia, impaired renal or kidney function, pulmonary edema, or new-onset headache) suggestive of preeclampsia.[1]American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. ACOG practice bulletin no. 222: gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. Jun 2020 [internet publication]. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2020/06/gestational-hypertension-and-preeclampsia http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32443077?tool=bestpractice.com ​​​[2]Magee LA, Brown MA, Hall DR, et al. The 2021 International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy classification, diagnosis & management recommendations for international practice. Pregnancy Hypertens. 2022 Mar;27:148-69. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35066406?tool=bestpractice.com ​​​