What is the primary diagnostic test for identifying PIH?

The primary diagnostic test for identifying Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension (PIH) is blood pressure measurement. This is because PIH is defined by the presence of elevated blood pressure readings that typically occur after the 20th week of gestation in a woman who previously had normal blood pressure. The diagnosis is primarily based on two readings of elevated blood pressure, defined as systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or greater and/or diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or greater.

Monitoring blood pressure is crucial in assessing the health of both the mother and the fetus, as PIH can lead to serious complications such as preeclampsia and eclampsia if not managed appropriately. While other tests may be useful in managing or monitoring related conditions, they do not serve as the primary diagnostic tool for PIH. For instance, urine cultures are used to check for urinary tract infections, blood glucose measurements are important for screening and diagnosing gestational diabetes, and ultrasound imaging can help assess fetal well-being but does not diagnose hypertension.