Hypertension in Pregnancy: Gestational Hypertension Health Article

Gestational (transient) hypertension is characterized by a rise in blood pressure, usually in late pregnancy, which returns to normal within 12 weeks of delivery (either before, during, or after labor). Gestational hypertension is most likely: (i) during a woman's first pregnancy, (ii) in women who are pregnant with twins or triplets, and (iii) in those who had pregnancy-related hypertension in an earlier pregnancy.

Gestational hypertension is a relatively mild hypertensive disorder that does not affect a woman's pregnancy. Its diagnosis can only be confirmed after delivery. If hypertension does not resolve or if proteinuria (protein in your urine) or edema develop, you do not have gestational hypertension. During your pregnancy, your doctor monitors you carefully for these and other signs and symptoms.