Pre-existing essential hypertension complicating pregnancy, childbirth or the puerperium

**Definition:** A condition affecting pregnant females, caused by previously diagnosed, or diagnosed within the first 20 weeks, hypertension. This condition is characterised by blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or greater, leading to a complication during pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium. Confirmation is by sphygmomanometer.