Which condition is characterized by hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation?

Preeclampsia is defined by the presence of hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation. This condition typically presents with elevated blood pressure—defined as 140/90 mmHg or higher—and significant levels of protein in the urine, indicating kidney involvement. The onset usually occurs after the halfway mark of pregnancy, differentiating it from gestational hypertension, which lacks proteinuria.

Preeclampsia can lead to serious complications for both the mother and the fetus if not managed appropriately. Characteristics of preeclampsia can also include other systemic effects, such as edema, liver dysfunction, or neurological symptoms, further complicating the clinical picture. The timely identification and management of preeclampsia are vital to preventing the progression to eclampsia, which involves seizures and other severe complications.

In contrast, gestational hypertension does not include proteinuria, eclampsia represents the most severe form of preeclampsia characterized by seizures, and chronic hypertension exists prior to pregnancy or is diagnosed before 20 weeks gestation.