ABSTRACT
Diagnosis/Definition (Table 1.1) Chronic hypertension in pregnancy is defined as either a history of hypertension preceding the pregnancy or a blood pressure 140/90 prior to 20 weeks’ gestation. Though controversial, the 5th Korotkoff sound is used for the diastolic reading. Blood pressure measurements can be obtained using a manual or an automated cuff with the patient in the sitting position. Severe hypertension is defined as SBP 160 mmHg or DBP 110 mmHg. In nonpregnant adults, BP < 120/80 mmHg is normal, BP 120-139/80-89 mmHg is prehypertension, BP 140159/90-99 is stage 1 hypertension, and BP 160/100 mmHg is stage 2 hypertension.
