What is Pregnancy Induced Hypertension? -

Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is a name for what is now called gestational hypertension or hypertension of pregnancy. It is defined as the development of new arterial hypertension in a pregnant woman after 20 weeks gestation. It does not normally require treatment, but is monitored closely to rapidly identify pre-eclampsia and its life-threatening complications (HELLP syndrome and eclampsia). Treatment options are limited, as many antihypertensives may negatively affect the fetus; methyldopa and labetolol are most commonly used for severe pregnancy hypertension.