Gestational Hypertension

Gestational hypertension (GH) is a pregnancy-specific condition characterized by new-onset hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic ≥90 mmHg) after 20 weeks of gestation in previously normotensive women, without accompanying proteinuria or other systemic features of preeclampsia. It affects approximately 6-10% of pregnancies globally and is a leading contributor to maternal and perinatal morbidity. Risk factors include primiparity, advanced maternal age, obesity, multiple gestation, and preexisting conditions like diabetes or chronic kidney disease.

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a multisystem hypertensive disorder unique to pregnancy, typically emerging after 20 weeks of gestation. It is defined by new-onset hypertension (≥140/90 mmHg) combined with proteinuria (≥300 mg/24h) or evidence of maternal organ dysfunction (e.g., thrombocytopenia, renal insufficiency, liver impairment, or cerebral/visual disturbances). Globally, it complicates 2-8% of pregnancies and remains a leading cause of maternal and neonatal mortality, particularly in low-resource settings.

Chronic Hypertension with Superimposed Preeclampsia

Chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia (CHSP) refers to pregnant individuals with preexisting hypertension (diagnosed before pregnancy or before 20 weeks of gestation) who develop new-onset proteinuria, end-organ dysfunction, or other preeclampsia-related features after 20 weeks. This condition complicates 10-25% of pregnancies with chronic hypertension and significantly elevates risks of severe maternal and fetal complications compared to isolated chronic hypertension.