Hypertension and Public Health

Gestational Hypertension

Gestational hypertension or pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is the development of high blood pressure greater than 140/90 mm Hg in a pregnant woman. It occurs after 20 weeks of gestation and leads to a serious condition called preeclampsia, also referred to as toxemia. Due to this condition, it may prevent the placenta from receiving enough blood, which can cause low birth weight in the baby.

The symptoms of gestational hypertension includes rapid weight gain, high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and swelling in the hands, feet, and face, severe headaches, a change in reflexes, reduced output of urine or no urine, abdominal pain, blood in the urine, dizziness, or excessive vomiting and nausea, spots before the eyes.