What is a common indicator of preeclampsia during pregnancy?

What is a common indicator of preeclampsia during pregnancy?

• A. Low blood pressure
• B. Elevated blood pressure
• C. Fatigue
• D. Increased fetal movement

Answer: (B)

Elevated blood pressure is a hallmark sign of preeclampsia, a condition that can occur after the 20th week of pregnancy. Preeclampsia is characterized by the triad of elevated blood pressure, proteinuria, and sometimes edema. Monitoring blood pressure is a critical part of prenatal care because rising blood pressure can indicate that the placenta is not functioning optimally, which may put both the mother and fetus at risk. This condition can lead to serious complications if not managed properly, including the progression to eclampsia, which involves seizures. Recognizing elevated blood pressure during routine check-ups allows for close monitoring and timely medical intervention to ensure better outcomes for both mother and baby. Other symptoms, such as fatigue and increased fetal movement, are not reliable indicators of preeclampsia. Fatigue can be common during pregnancy for various reasons but is not specific to this condition. Increased fetal movement is generally a positive sign, as it indicates fetal well-being, rather than a symptom of preeclampsia. Low blood pressure, on the other hand, would not align with the diagnosis of preeclampsia since this condition is associated with elevated readings.

Elevated blood pressure is a hallmark sign of preeclampsia, a condition that can occur after the 20th week of pregnancy. Preeclampsia is characterized by the triad of elevated blood pressure, proteinuria, and sometimes edema. Monitoring blood pressure is a critical part of prenatal care because rising blood pressure can indicate that the placenta is not functioning optimally, which may put both the mother and fetus at risk. This condition can lead to serious complications if not managed properly, including the progression to eclampsia, which involves seizures. Recognizing elevated blood pressure during routine check-ups allows for close monitoring and timely medical intervention to ensure better outcomes for both mother and baby.

Other symptoms, such as fatigue and increased fetal movement, are not reliable indicators of preeclampsia. Fatigue can be common during pregnancy for various reasons but is not specific to this condition. Increased fetal movement is generally a positive sign, as it indicates fetal well-being, rather than a symptom of preeclampsia. Low blood pressure, on the other hand, would not align with the diagnosis of preeclampsia since this condition is associated with elevated readings.