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Pregnancy Wellness

Learn the Facts About Gestational Hypertension

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Why is Gestational Hypertension Important?

Gestational hypertension, when uncontrolled high blood pressure develops during pregnancy, affects 5 to 10% of all pregnancies in the U.S.. The condition typically goes away after pregnancy, but it can cause several pregnancy complications, including pre-eclampsia. 

What is Gestational Hypertension?

Gestational hypertension is a form of high blood pressure that develops during pregnancy. Sometimes called “pregnancy-induced hypertension” or PIH, Doctors diagnose gestational hypertension when a woman who had normal blood pressure before 20 weeks of pregnancy develops blood pressure readings higher than 140/90 mm Hg without proteinuria (excess protein in the urine). This is different from chronic hypertension in pregnancy, where the woman already had high blood pressure before getting pregnant. 

Causes and Risk Factors

We do not know the cause of gestational hypertension, but any pregnant woman can get it. However, some conditions increase your risk:

  • Pre-existing hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Obesity
  • Kidney disease
  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension with a previous pregnancy
  • Mother’s age is younger than 20 or older than 40
  • Multiple fetuses (twins, triplets)
  • Women who are African-American 

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of gestational hypertension are:

  • Increased blood pressure readings
  • Absence or presence of protein in the urine (to diagnose gestational hypertension vs preeclampsia) 
  • Edema (swelling), especially in the legs, ankles and feet
  • Sudden weight gain
  • Sudden visual impairments like blurry or double vision, and seeing spots
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen

Diagnosis

The only criterion for a PIH diagnosis is an elevated blood pressure reading higher than 140/90 mm Hg in women who previously had normal blood pressure. Your healthcare provider may conduct other diagnostic tests to rule out other conditions, such as a urinalysis (where a urine sample is sent to a lab to see if it is abnormal) and blood tests.

Complications and Concerns of Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension

High blood pressure can inhibit blood flow to your organs, including the placenta, which can harm the expectant mother and the baby. Other complications include:

  • Increased risk of cardiovascular issues 
  • Kidney failure
  • Gestational diabetes
  • In rare cases, placental abruption, where the placenta prematurely detaches from the uterus
  • For babies, it can cause poor fetal growth, pre-term birth (being born before 40 weeks of gestation), low birth weight or even stillbirth.

Preeclampsia, Eclampsia and HELLP

Gestational hypertension can also develop into other, much more serious conditions:

Babies born preterm due to preeclampsia are at an increased risk for lifelong health issues, such as epilepsy and cerebral palsy.

Gestational Hypertension vs Preeclampsia

Although related, gestational hypertension and preeclampsia are distinct conditions. Gestational hypertension involves elevated blood pressure during pregnancy, while preeclampsia includes both high blood pressure and protein in the urine.

Treatment

Treatment for Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension involves monitoring and management so it does not progress into a more serious condition. Depending on your health, family and medical history, severity of the condition, your healthcare provider may recommend:

  • Ongoing fetal monitoring, such as nonstress testing, to monitor the fetal heart rate or a Doppler test to measure the fetus’s blood flow
  • Ongoing laboratory tests
  • Change in diet and levels of physical activity
  • Hospitalization, early delivery or antihypertensive medications for severe cases

Prevention

Gestational Hypertension can develop randomly, but if you have any of the previously mentioned risk factors, speak with your Genesis provider. They can help you with weight management counseling and diet and lifestyle modifications. If you have chronic hypertension and you are trying to get pregnant, your provider may prescribe a plan of action to help manage your blood pressure before you get pregnant. 

Early detection, education, and a healthy lifestyle can all support your pregnancy and stop gestational hypertension from developing into a more severe, life-threatening condition. 

Get Support for Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension in Phoenix

Chronic and gestational hypertension are serious risks during pregnancy, but they can be managed with education, monitoring, and early detection. At Genesis, we urge all expecting mothers to attend regular prenatal visits, stay informed, and prioritize their health. Have questions or suspect you may see the early signs of gestational hypertension? Contact your provider or request an appointment today.

Gestational Hypertension FAQs

What is gestational hypertension?

Gestational hypertension is a form of high blood pressure that develops during pregnancy in women who previously had normal blood pressure.

Is gestational hypertension the same as preeclampsia​?

No, preeclampsia is high blood pressure along with the presence of protein in the urine; it is much more severe and can be life-threatening. 

How to lower blood pressure during pregnancy​

Yes, PCOS can lead to heavy and painful periods caused by hormonal imbalances that thicken the uterine lining, making menstrual cramps more intense.

What is considered high blood pressure in pregnancy​?

Anything higher than 140/90 mm Hg is considered high blood pressure in pregnancy and may indicate a pregnancy-induced hypertension diagnosis.