What causes gestational hypertension?

The exact trigger is often unclear. Placental signalling, the way blood vessels adapt to pregnancy and individual susceptibility can all contribute. It is diagnosed after raised readings are confirmed during pregnancy in someone who did not previously have hypertension, without the additional findings used to diagnose pre-eclampsia.

High blood pressure may cause no noticeable symptoms. Repeated measurements are needed because pain, stress, activity or an unsuitable cuff can affect a single reading. The maternity team also checks urine, symptoms and sometimes blood tests to look for evidence that the liver, kidneys, blood clotting or placenta may be affected.

Gestational hypertension can remain stable or progress to pre-eclampsia. Monitoring may therefore include fetal growth and wellbeing as well as maternal blood pressure. The condition is not diagnosed from headache or swelling alone.

Keep all antenatal and blood-pressure appointments even when you feel well. If home monitoring is recommended, use the validated cuff and recording method your team provides, sit quietly before measuring, and report readings according to their plan.

Take prescribed blood-pressure medicine at the directed dose and do not stop it because a reading improves. Normal rest, hydration and balanced meals support general wellbeing, but bed rest and drastic dietary restriction do not replace clinical monitoring or treatment.

Contact your maternity unit urgently for a severe or persistent headache, blurred vision or flashing lights, pain beneath the ribs, sudden swelling of the face or hands, vomiting with feeling very unwell, breathlessness, vaginal bleeding, or reduced fetal movement. Seek emergency help for a seizure, collapse, chest pain or severe difficulty breathing.

Ask how frequently your pressure, urine, blood and baby's growth should be checked; what home readings or symptoms require a same-day call; and whether medicine is advised. Discuss the anticipated timing of birth and the plan for blood-pressure follow-up after delivery.