What condition is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine in pregnancy?

Preeclampsia is a condition that occurs during pregnancy and is characterized by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine. It typically develops after the 20th week of gestation and can affect various organs in the body, potentially leading to serious complications for both the mother and the fetus if left untreated. The exact cause of preeclampsia is still not fully understood, but it is known to be associated with problems related to blood vessels and the placenta.

Elevated blood pressure, usually defined as higher than 140/90 mmHg, and proteinuria—indicating an excess amount of protein in urine—are key diagnostic criteria used to identify this condition. Monitoring and early intervention are crucial as preeclampsia can progress to more severe conditions like eclampsia, which includes seizures due to high blood pressure, and can lead to serious health risks for the mother and baby.

Other conditions listed do not share these specific characteristics: eclampsia is a progression of preeclampsia involving seizures, gestational diabetes pertains to glucose metabolism issues, and placenta previa involves the placental location obstructing the cervix.