North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam 2026 – The All-in-One Resource to Master Your Midwifery Certification!

Hypertension in pregnancy is defined as a blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher. This criterion is based on established clinical guidelines, which categorize hypertension during pregnancy into different stages, including gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, both of which have significant implications for maternal and fetal health.

A reading of 140/90 mmHg is an important threshold because it indicates an increased risk of complications such as stroke, heart problems, and adverse outcomes for both the mother and the baby. Recognizing this level allows for timely interventions, monitoring, and management strategies to mitigate risks associated with elevated blood pressure during pregnancy.

The other options represent blood pressure readings that do not meet the established threshold for hypertension in pregnancy. Therefore, they do not signal the same level of risk or necessitate the same clinical response as the 140/90 mmHg mark. This is why the chosen answer reflects the correct clinical definition used to guide practitioners in identifying and managing hypertension in pregnant individuals.