At what gestational age is gestational hypertension officially defined?

Gestational hypertension is officially defined after 20 weeks of gestation. This timing is crucial because it allows healthcare providers to differentiate between pre-existing hypertension and new-onset hypertension that occurs as a complication of pregnancy.

The reason for establishing this particular gestational age is based on the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy. The body goes through significant adaptations, such as increased blood volume and hormonal alterations, which can impact blood pressure. Diagnosing hypertension after 20 weeks ensures that any new elevations in blood pressure can be directly associated with the pregnancy rather than pre-existing conditions.

Identifying gestational hypertension is essential for the monitoring and management of both maternal and fetal health, as it can lead to serious conditions such as preeclampsia if not appropriately managed. Therefore, understanding that the onset after 20 weeks is the critical point for diagnosis is key for nursing management and maternal care.