Single Best Answer (SBA) · Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy

A clinician classifies hypertension first detected at 12 weeks of gestation in a woman not previously known to be hypertensive. Which single category does this most likely fall into?

Choose one answer.

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Answer: D. Chronic hypertension

Classification by timing

Hypertension in pregnancy is classified largely by when it appears relative to 20 weeks.

Timing	Category
Known before pregnancy or before 20 weeks	Chronic hypertension (also white-coat, masked)
De novo at or after 20 weeks	Transient gestational HTN; gestational HTN; pre-eclampsia (de novo or superimposed)

This case

Hypertension present before 20 weeks (here at 12 weeks) is classified as chronic hypertension, even if not previously diagnosed.
It may be essential or secondary; white-coat and masked hypertension are also considered.

Why not the others

Pre-eclampsia, gestational hypertension and eclampsia/HELLP are disorders arising at or after 20 weeks.

Distinguishing chronic from later-onset hypertension matters because chronic hypertension can have superimposed pre-eclampsia, which must be watched for.

A clinician classifies hypertension first detected at 12 weeks of gestation in a woman not previously known to be hypertensive. Which single category does this most likely fall into?

Classification by timing

This case

Why not the others

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