Final answer:
Pregnancy-induced hypertension is elevated blood pressure that begins after 20 weeks of gestation without protein in urine or other preeclampsia symptoms. It is a significant health concern requiring monitoring and potential treatment to ensure the safety of both mother and child.
Step-by-step explanation:
The definition of 'pregnancy-induced hypertension' is a) Elevated blood pressure during pregnancy. This condition, also referred to as gestational hypertension, is characterized by the development of new hypertension in a pregnant woman after 20 weeks of gestation without the presence of protein in the urine or other signs of preeclampsia. Hypertension is a chronic medical condition where the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated. Pregnancy-induced hypertension can lead to increased health risks for both the mother and the fetus and requires careful management and monitoring.
While the exact cause of pregnancy-induced hypertension is not fully understood, factors that may increase the risk include excess dietary salt, obesity, and a history of hypertension or kidney disease. Proper management of hypertension during pregnancy is essential to minimize complications. Symptoms are often silent, making it crucial for pregnant women to have their blood pressure regularly monitored.