What defines gestational hypertension?

Gestational hypertension is characterized by the onset of high blood pressure that occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy, specifically without the presence of protein in the urine. This condition typically resolves after childbirth. The key aspect of gestational hypertension is that it occurs only during pregnancy and is transient, differentiating it from other hypertensive disorders such as chronic hypertension, which exists prior to pregnancy or continues beyond it, and preeclampsia, which includes both hypertension and proteinuria.

The timing of the blood pressure elevation is crucial, as gestational hypertension is defined by its development during mid to late pregnancy rather than before. Therefore, recognizing that gestational hypertension can occur in the absence of additional complications like proteinuria helps in effectively managing the pregnancy and planning for postpartum care.