Which statement defines preeclampsia?

• A. New Elevated BP at 20 or More Weeks With Proteinuria
• B. New Elevated BP at 20 or More Weeks Without Proteinuria
• C. Elevated BP Before 20 Weeks
• D. Proteinuria Without BP Changes

Answer: (A)

Preeclampsia is diagnosed when there is new-onset hypertension after mid-pregnancy (after 20 weeks) and protein in the urine, or other signs of organ dysfunction. The statement that describes new elevated blood pressure after 20 weeks together with proteinuria captures both key elements: the timing (after 20 weeks) and the additional criterion (proteinuria). This combination signals a pathophysiologic process in pregnancy involving abnormal placentation and endothelial dysfunction.

If high blood pressure appears after 20 weeks without proteinuria, that’s more consistent with gestational hypertension, not preeclampsia, though it can progress to preeclampsia if proteinuria or organ dysfunction develops. If hypertension is present before 20 weeks, that points to chronic hypertension rather than preeclampsia. Proteinuria by itself, without a new elevation in blood pressure, does not define preeclampsia.