Pregnancy-induced hypertension

Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is the accepted name for what was previously called gestational hypertension or hypertension of pregnancy. It is defined as the development of new arterial hypertension in a pregnant woman. 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 PIH.