What is the major characteristic of pregnancy-induced hypertension?

Pregnancy-induced hypertension, also known as gestational hypertension, is characterized by the development of high blood pressure during pregnancy, specifically occurring during or after the 20th week of gestation. This timing is crucial as it differentiates gestational hypertension from pre-existing hypertension, which can present before conception.

Understanding this timeline is essential for proper diagnosis and management. If hypertension occurs before the 20th week, it is typically indicative of chronic hypertension rather than gestational hypertension. This distinction is important for clinicians to determine the appropriate care and monitoring for both mother and fetus.

The other options do not align with the clinical definitions and characteristics of pregnancy-induced hypertension. For instance, pregnancy-induced hypertension is not a chronic condition, as it is specifically related to pregnancy and generally resolves after delivery. It also does not imply that the condition will always be mild; it can vary greatly in severity and may lead to complications such as preeclampsia.