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MS WordPerinatologist Corner - C.E.U/C.M.E. Modules
Hypertension in Pregnancy
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Part 3: Gestational Hypertension and Chronic Hypertension in Pregnancy
5. Read the material on gestational hypertension
The woman who has blood pressure elevation unaccompanied by proteinuria that develops in the second half of pregnancy is classified as having "gestational hypertension". A significant proportion of these women will go on to develop the preeclampsia syndrome and so more frequent monitoring is essential. If proteinuria does not develop these patients can be delivered at term. If blood pressure elevation persists beyond 3 months postpartum, the patient is diagnosed with chronic hypertension. In the absence of proteinuria, perinatal outcomes are good. Interestingly, and unlike typical preeclamptics, a significant number of these women will go on to develop essential hypertension later in life.
