Who is considered high risk for gestational hypertension?

• A. Women with high blood pressure before pregnancy
• B. Women without previous pregnancies
• C. Younger pregnant women
• D. Women who gain excessive weight

Answer: (A)

Women with high blood pressure before pregnancy are considered high risk for gestational hypertension. This is primarily because existing hypertension can continue or worsen during pregnancy, leading to complications for both the mother and the fetus. If a woman has a history of high blood pressure prior to conception, she has a higher likelihood of developing gestational hypertension, as her body may struggle to manage the added physiological demands placed on it during pregnancy.

Other factors such as being a first-time mother, being younger, or gaining excessive weight can all influence the risk levels for developing hypertension during pregnancy, but they are not as directly correlated to existing health conditions that can significantly raise the risk like pre-pregnancy high blood pressure. Thus, the most straightforward and critical factor among the options presented is the presence of high blood pressure prior to pregnancy.