Final answer:
The claim regarding hypertension before the 20th week of gestation and a long postpartum period lasting 12 weeks after delivery is false. Pregnancy-induced blood volume increase and moderate blood pressure rise make it crucial to monitor maternal blood pressure to minimize risks during gestation and postpartum.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement in question refers to hypertension (HTN) before pregnancy and before the 20th week of gestation extending into the long postpartum period (12 weeks after delivery). Hypertension before pregnancy or early in gestation is not directly correlated with the long postpartum period, as they represent two distinct phases. The long postpartum period typically lasts for about 6 weeks after delivery, not 12 weeks as implied by the statement. During pregnancy, blood volume increases by approximately 30 percent, and blood pressure may rise moderately. However, gestation is a specific period that begins with fertilization and ends with birth, not continuing into the postpartum period.
It is important to monitor blood pressure throughout the pregnancy as chronic hypertension can present risks to both the mother and fetus, including increased chances of developing preeclampsia or having a low birth weight baby. After delivery, monitoring continues as postpartum women are at risk of preeclampsia and other complications, particularly if they had hypertension or preeclampsia during pregnancy.