Which term describes chronic hypertension during pregnancy?

The term that describes chronic hypertension during pregnancy is defined as blood pressure equal to or greater than 140/90 mmHg prior to 20 weeks gestation. Chronic hypertension is a pre-existing condition that women may have before becoming pregnant, and it persists throughout the pregnancy. It is important to identify this condition early because it can lead to complications for both the mother and the fetus if not monitored and managed properly.

In contrast, gestational hypertension occurs after 20 weeks of gestation and is not considered chronic hypertension. Transient hypertension during pregnancy refers to temporary elevations in blood pressure that do not meet the criteria for chronic or gestational hypertension. Lastly, a normotensive status throughout pregnancy does not align with chronic hypertension, as it indicates that the blood pressure remains in the normal range without sustained elevations. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in managing maternal health effectively.