🩺 Gestational Hypertension: More Than “Just High Blood Pressure”

High blood pressure during pregnancy is often minimized  especially when it does not meet the criteria for preeclampsia.

However, gestational hypertension is a distinct clinical entity that deserves careful attention, structured follow-up, and informed decision-making.

👏Gestational hypertension is diagnosed when: 

• Blood pressure is ≥ 140/90 mmHg

• Develops after 20 weeks of gestation

• Occurs without proteinuria

• And without signs or symptoms of preeclampsia.

Because it lacks dramatic features, it is often labeled as “mild” or “not concerning.”

This assumption can be misleading.

🎯Gestational hypertension is not a benign diagnosis.

🔹 It may progress to preeclampsia at any point

🔹 It can impair placental function and uteroplacental perfusion

🔹 It is associated with fetal growth restriction and preterm birth

🔹 It requires active surveillance, not passive reassurance

Blood pressure in pregnancy is not just a number.

It reflects the dynamic interaction between maternal vascular health and placental adaptation.

✌A diagnosis of gestational hypertension should trigger: 

✔️ Accurate and repeated BP measurements

✔️ Regular urine screening

✔️ Maternal symptom assessment

✔️ Fetal growth and wellbeing surveillance

✔️ Individualized clinical decisions  not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Pregnancy does not tolerate “wait and see” medicine.

👁In this series, we will explore gestational hypertension in depth: 

• How it differs from preeclampsia

• Why “mild” does not mean “safe”

• How to monitor it properly

• When and how to intervene

• And what it means for long-term maternal health.

Because awareness, timing, and follow-up are what truly protect both mother and baby.

#DrRababCares 

#GestationalHypertension

#HypertensionInPregnancy

#MaternalHealth

#AntenatalCare

#HighRiskPregnancy

#BeyondPreeclampsia