A patient with no prenatal care delivers a healthy male infant via the vaginal route, with minimal blood loss. During the labor period, vital signs were normal. At birth, significant maternal hypertension is noted. When the patient is questioned, she relates that there is history of heart disease in her family; but, that she has never been treated for hypertension. Blood pressure is treated in the hospital setting and the patient is discharged. The patient returns at her scheduled 6-week checkup and is found to be hypertensive. Which type of hypertension is the patient is exhibiting?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Even though the patient has no documented prenatal care or medical history, she does relate a family history that is positive for heart disease. Additionally, the patient's blood pressure increased following birth and was treated in the hospital and resolved. Now the patient appears at the 6-week checkup with hypertension. Typically, gestational hypertension resolves by the end of the 6-week postpartum period. The fact that this has not resolved is suspicious for undiagnosed chronic hypertension. There is no evidence to suggest that the patient was preeclamptic prior to the birth.

A Patient with No Prenatal Care Delivers a Healthy Male