Types of pregnancy-induced hypertension

Gestational hypertension is new high blood pressure that develops after the midpoint of pregnancy without signs of organ injury at the time it is identified. Pre-eclampsia involves high blood pressure with protein in the urine or other evidence that organs, the placenta or the baby may be affected. Chronic hypertension begins before pregnancy or early in pregnancy; it can later be accompanied by superimposed pre-eclampsia.

Blood pressure can be high without obvious symptoms, so antenatal checks matter. Headache, visual disturbance, upper abdominal pain or sudden swelling should be reported rather than used to judge severity at home.

Keep scheduled antenatal appointments and take prescribed medicine exactly as directed. Monitoring may include repeated blood pressure readings, urine checks, blood tests, symptom review and assessment of the baby's growth and wellbeing. The plan may change as pregnancy progresses and can include closer follow-up or hospital assessment.

An [Antenatal Care Package](/treatments/pregnancy-and-birth-care/antenatal-care-package/) can support regular pregnancy monitoring. Do not start aspirin, supplements or blood-pressure medicine without advice from your maternity team.

Contact your maternity unit urgently for a severe or persistent headache, blurred vision or flashing lights, pain beneath the ribs, sudden breathlessness, chest pain, confusion, seizures, heavy bleeding or markedly reduced fetal movement. These symptoms can occur with serious pregnancy complications and need immediate assessment, even if a previous blood pressure reading was normal.

Ask which category fits your readings and test results, how often you need monitoring, which symptoms require immediate contact, and how the condition may affect birth planning and follow-up after delivery. Ask who to call outside clinic hours so you have a clear plan.