What term describes high blood pressure in pregnancy defined as at least 140/90 measured twice at least six hours apart, with symptoms similar to preeclampsia?

• A. Supine hypotensive syndrome
• B. Pregnancy induced hypertension
• C. Preeclampsia
• D. Eclampsia

Answer: (B)

High blood pressure that develops during pregnancy and meets the threshold of 140/90 on two occasions at least six hours apart after 20 weeks gestation is labeled pregnancy-induced hypertension (gestational hypertension) when there is no protein in the urine or other organ involvement. The crucial point is that proteinuria or other signs of end-organ dysfunction distinguish this from preeclampsia. If proteinuria appears (or there are signs like elevated liver enzymes, low platelets, kidney issues, headache with visual changes, or other end-organ symptoms), the diagnosis shifts to preeclampsia. If seizures occur, it becomes eclampsia. Supine hypotensive syndrome, by contrast, causes low blood pressure due to uterine compression of the vena cava, not high blood pressure. So the term that fits the described scenario is pregnancy-induced hypertension.