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

Preeclampsia is a condition that occurs during pregnancy and is characterized by the development of high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine, typically after the 20th week of gestation. This condition affects both the mother and the fetus, as it can lead to complications such as placental abruption, preterm delivery, and, in severe cases, can progress to eclampsia, which includes seizures.

The diagnosis of preeclampsia is critical, as early identification and management can help mitigate risks to both mother and baby. Monitoring blood pressure and screening for proteinuria are standard practices in prenatal care to ensure any signs of preeclampsia are detected early. The condition is unique to pregnancy and is not related to other conditions such as gestational diabetes, which primarily involves blood sugar levels, hyperemesis gravidarum, characterized by severe nausea and vomiting, or placenta previa, where the placenta is located at the cervix's opening. Understanding these distinctions is essential for effective prenatal care and management of potential complications.