What clinical findings suggest the presence of gestational hypertension?

Gestational hypertension is characterized primarily by elevated blood pressure that occurs after 20 weeks of gestation. In this context, a blood pressure reading greater than 140/90 mmHg is a key clinical finding. This elevation in blood pressure is significant because it can lead to complications for both the mother and the fetus if not managed appropriately.

The criteria for diagnosing gestational hypertension emphasize the importance of monitoring blood pressure during prenatal visits. This allows healthcare providers to identify potential issues early and intervene as necessary to ensure the health and safety of both the mother and the developing baby.

Other options presented do not specifically indicate gestational hypertension. For instance, bloating and loss of appetite can be associated with various conditions during pregnancy but are not diagnostic criteria for this specific hypertension. Fetal heart rate variability is a normal finding that can indicate the well-being of the fetus rather than hypertension in the mother. An increased white blood cell count may suggest infection or another unrelated issue, but it does not directly correlate with the diagnosis of gestational hypertension. Thus, the blood pressure threshold established after 20 weeks of gestation remains the most definitive clinical finding for this condition.