Hypertension without proteinuria that develops after 20 or more weeks' gestation is classified as what?

Hypertension that develops after 20 weeks of gestation without the presence of proteinuria is classified as gestational hypertension. This condition is characterized by an increase in blood pressure readings to above 140/90 mmHg after mid-pregnancy and is a distinct diagnosis from chronic hypertension, which refers to elevated blood pressure that predates pregnancy or appears before the 20th week of gestation.

Gestational hypertension specifically does not involve any additional systemic findings such as proteinuria or other symptoms that may indicate preeclampsia. This is a crucial differentiation because preeclampsia typically involves hypertension along with signs of damage to other organ systems, often indicated by protein in the urine.

Transient hypertension refers to temporary increases in blood pressure that can occur in various situations, but it is not a classification used for hypertension diagnosed in relation to pregnancy. Thus, gestational hypertension is the appropriate classification for this scenario as it directly corresponds to the timing of onset and the absence of other preeclampsia-related findings.