What condition in pregnancy is characterized by high blood pressure, sometimes with fluid retention and proteinuria?

• A. Gestational diabetes
• B. Preclampsia
• C. Eclampsia
• D. Placenta previa

Answer: (B)

The condition characterized by high blood pressure, often with fluid retention and proteinuria during pregnancy is known as preeclampsia. This disorder typically occurs after the 20th week of gestation and can lead to severe complications if left untreated. The rise in blood pressure is accompanied by the presence of protein in the urine, which is an indication of kidney stress.

Preeclampsia can lead to significant health risks for both the mother and the fetus, including the potential for progression to eclampsia, which involves seizures. Recognizing the symptoms and managing preeclampsia is crucial in ensuring a safe pregnancy outcome.

In the context of the other conditions, gestational diabetes relates to high blood sugar levels, and placenta previa involves the abnormal positioning of the placenta, neither of which address the specific combination of high blood pressure and proteinuria characteristic of preeclampsia. Eclampsia is a more severe progression of preeclampsia and is marked specifically by seizures, rather than the combination of symptoms noted in the question.