Gestational Hypertension Diagnostic Criteria

Gestational hypertension is diagnosed when new high blood pressure develops during pregnancy without protein in the urine or other evidence of preeclampsia. Clinicians confirm the finding with properly taken readings and then assess whether the pregnancy is affecting organs or the placenta.

A maternity professional checks your blood pressure with the correct cuff and positioning, then considers whether the result remains high on repeat assessment. They may request urine testing and blood tests that examine kidney and liver function and platelet levels. Symptoms, medical history, fetal growth, and placental wellbeing add context. A diagnosis is not made from a single home reading or from a symptom alone. The label can change if later testing shows features of preeclampsia.

Tell your maternity team about any high reading and bring your home monitor to an appointment if they ask you to check it. Follow instructions about repeat measurements, appointments, urine samples, and blood tests. Take only medicines approved for your pregnancy, and do not change a dose because one reading improves. Keep track of headache, visual symptoms, upper-abdominal pain, breathlessness, swelling, and fetal movement so you can describe changes clearly.

Seek urgent maternity advice for a severe headache that does not settle, flashing lights or blurred vision, severe pain under the ribs, sudden facial or hand swelling, breathing difficulty, chest pain, confusion, bleeding, or reduced fetal movement. These warning signs can occur with preeclampsia or another pregnancy emergency and should not wait for the next scheduled check.

Ask how your readings were confirmed, which tests distinguish gestational hypertension from preeclampsia, and when you should repeat them. Ask whether you need fetal growth or placental monitoring, which reading or symptom means you should call, and what follow-up is planned after birth.