When is antenatal care package recommended for gestational hypertension?

Gestational hypertension is high blood pressure that develops during pregnancy. It may cause no obvious symptoms, so readings at appointments and any home monitoring are useful. Your team may review urine, blood tests, headaches or visual changes, fetal growth, and the baby's wellbeing. They will also consider whether medicine, additional visits, or a change in the birth plan is needed.

Attend every appointment and measure blood pressure at home only if your clinician has shown you how. Write down readings, the time taken, and any symptoms. Take prescribed medicine as directed and do not stop it because a single reading improves. Rest when advised, but do not rely on rest alone to assess a concerning symptom. Keep your maternity contact details available.

Seek urgent maternity assessment for a severe or persistent headache, blurred vision or flashing lights, pain under the ribs or in the upper abdomen, sudden swelling of the face or hands, vomiting with feeling very unwell, shortness of breath, or reduced fetal movement. Do not wait for the next routine visit when these symptoms appear.

Ask how often your blood pressure should be checked, which reading or symptom requires a call, and whether you need urine or blood tests. Ask how the baby's growth will be followed and how hypertension may affect medicines, appointments, and birth planning.