Gestational hypertension
Gestational hypertension means your blood pressure rises above 140/90 mmHg after 20 weeks of pregnancy, but without the protein in urine or organ problems seen in preeclampsia. It affects roughly one in ten pregnancies. Although it sounds less serious than preeclampsia, it still puts extra strain on your heart and kidneys, and it can develop into preeclampsia. Your doctor will check your blood pressure at every antenatal visit, and may ask you to monitor it at home. In some cases, medication is needed. Most cases resolve within 12 weeks after delivery, but women who have had it carry a higher risk of high blood pressure later in life.
What This Means for You
Understanding Gestational hypertension is an important part of your after 20 weeks journey. During pregnancy, your care team will use this term regularly. Being familiar with it means you can ask better questions and feel more confident at your antenatal appointments.
Explore our Pregnancy hubGood to Know
KKH and NUH both recommend frequent monitoring if readings are borderline, so do not skip antenatal appointments even if you feel fine. Alert your care team immediately if you notice sudden swelling, severe headaches, or blurred vision.
Related Terms
Source: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/dictionary
Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice.
Free Tools for Singapore Parents
Put your knowledge into action with our free calculators and trackers.