Definition: A type of high blood pressure that occurs during pregnancy. Gestational hypertension is caused by an unknown set of factors that uniquely exist during pregnancy, and does not require pre-existing high blood pressure in order to develop.
Gestational hypertension usually resolves following pregnancy, but not always. Because it can cause serious increases in blood pressure, and lead to problems for the mother and baby, it is usually treated aggressively.
Pronunciation: jes-tA-shun-al hI-pur-ten(t)-shun
Also Known As: High Blood Pressure of Pregnancy
