Master Gestational Hypertension with Picmonic for Medicine

Gestational hypertension occurs after 20 weeks gestation and may continue into the postpartum period, but usually self-resolves after delivery.

First time mothers are at higher risk than multiparous mothers for gestational hypertension.

Women who are obese prior to pregnancy are at higher risk for gestational hypertension.

The Black population has a higher incidence of essential (primary) hypertension as well as gestational hypertension.

Increasing age over 35 years old is associated with higher risk for gestational hypertension.

With multiple gestation pregnancies, mothers are at high risk for developing gestational hypertension.

Gestational hypertension and preeclampsia have familial components to them, so any mothers with family history should be closely monitored for developing either condition.

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) refers to any process that causes fetal weight to be in the bottom tenth percentile for gestational age. Pregnancy-induced hypertension may contribute to IUGR of the fetus.

Any birth that occurs prior to 37 weeks gestation is referred to as premature. Mothers with gestational hypertension are more likely to deliver prematurely.

Placental abruption happens when the placenta separates from the uterine wall prematurely; it may cause massive hemorrhage and fetal death. Mothers with gestational hypertension are at increased risk for this life-threatening condition, which is an indication for emergency C-section.

A developing fetus can be monitored with fetal heart rate tracings, non-stress tests, contraction stress tests and biophysical profiles. As fetuses born to mothers with gestational hypertension are at increased risk for complications, close monitoring may be indicated.

Classified as an alpha-2 agonist, this medication works by decreasing sympathetic outflow in an effort to decrease blood pressure. Although it is safe to use during pregnancy, it is generally not effective, and carries side effects such as lupus-like syndrome and immune-mediated hemolytic anemia.

Beta-blockers, like labetalol, are commonly used to treat gestational hypertension. They can be administered in PO or IV forms.

Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, such as nifedipine and amlodipine, are commonly used to treat gestational hypertension.

Most often reserved for hypertensive emergencies, hydralazine is a fast-acting arteriolar vasodilator that rapidly drops blood pressure. It is safe for pregnancy, but may cause a lupus-like syndrome, reflex tachycardia, fluid retention and headache.