High blood pressure, most commonly occurring after the 20th week of gestation in a nulliparous woman

Previously referred to as pregnancy-induced hypertension

Carries a high risk for intrauterine growth retardation, fetal distress, increased uterine contractility, and abruptio placentae

Among the most common causes of maternal death in developed countries (especially when complications occur)

Occurs in about 7% of pregnancies; more common in women from lower socioeconomic groups

Nonconvulsive form (also called preeclampsia), typically occurring after 20 weeks’ gestation; may be mild or severe

Convulsive form (also called eclampsia), typically occurring between 24 weeks’ gestation and the end of the first postpartum week

Roughly 5% incidence of preeclampsia progressing to eclampsia

Possible complications: abruptio placentae, HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzyme levels, low platelet count), coagulopathy, stillbirth, seizures, coma, premature labor, renal failure, and maternal hepatic damage (see What happens in gestational hypertension, page 60)