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

The maternal condition characterized by protein in the urine and high blood pressure is preeclampsia. This condition typically occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy and is defined by the onset of hypertension, often along with proteinuria, which indicates kidney involvement. Preeclampsia can lead to serious consequences for both the mother and the fetus if not managed properly.

Preeclampsia is a disorder associated with pregnancy and is not simply elevated blood pressure; it also entails the presence of protein in the urine, indicative of potential kidney dysfunction. If preeclampsia progresses without intervention, it can lead to eclampsia, which includes seizures, but the defining characteristics of preeclampsia itself are the hypertension and proteinuria.

Other conditions like gestational diabetes involve abnormal blood sugar levels during pregnancy, without direct association with kidney function or blood pressure. Placenta previa, on the other hand, involves the placenta abnormally implanting over the cervical opening and is not directly related to protein levels in urine or blood pressure but can present complications during delivery. Thus, the defining features of preeclampsia differentiate it clearly from these other maternal health concerns.