What is the expected outcome for most women diagnosed with gestational hypertension after delivery?

The expected outcome for most women diagnosed with gestational hypertension is a return to normal blood pressure within 12 weeks after delivery. This condition usually resolves after the baby is born, as the underlying factors contributing to elevated blood pressure are removed.

The majority of women who experience gestational hypertension typically see their blood pressure levels normalize during the postpartum period. Although some women might experience prolonged hypertension, the general expectation is that most will have their blood pressure return to baseline within several weeks to a few months following childbirth. Monitoring is essential, as if hypertension persists beyond this period, further evaluation may be needed to rule out chronic hypertension or other underlying issues.

The timing reflects that while some women may return to normal pressures as early as two to six weeks postpartum, the average duration suggests that a full resolution occurs within 12 weeks. Therefore, a diagnosis of gestational hypertension does not mean that permanent hypertension will develop in the future for most patients.