A woman is diagnosed with gestational hypertension at 28 weeks of gestation. Approximately what proportion of such women diagnosed before 34 weeks will go on to develop pre-eclampsia later in the same pregnancy?
- A About 10 percent
- B About 50 percent ✓
- C About 25 percent
- D About 80 percent
Correct answer: B. About 50 percent
Explanation
Classic series cited in Williams Obstetrics show that roughly half of women diagnosed with gestational hypertension before 34 weeks progress to pre-eclampsia, compared with only about 10 percent when the diagnosis is made at term. This high early-onset conversion rate justifies intensified surveillance, serial laboratory testing, and growth scans in these pregnancies. Ten percent approximates the term-onset figure, while 25 and 80 percent have no basis in the standard literature.
Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.