What is the term for high blood pressure that is first noted during pregnancy?

Gestational hypertension refers to the condition where high blood pressure develops during pregnancy, specifically after the 20th week of gestation, and does not exist prior to pregnancy. This classification is important because it distinguishes this type of hypertension from chronic hypertension, which is defined as high blood pressure that was present before pregnancy or that occurs before the 20th week of gestation.

In gestational hypertension, the blood pressure typically returns to normal after the delivery of the baby, differentiating it from more severe and persistent forms of hypertension like chronic hypertension or preeclampsia. Preeclampsia, on the other hand, involves the presence of hypertension along with proteinuria or end-organ dysfunction, indicating a more serious condition that can lead to complications for both the mother and baby. Recognizing gestational hypertension accurately is vital for appropriate management and monitoring throughout pregnancy.