How is preeclampsia and eclampsia diagnosed?

Preeclampsia

* Blood pressure: Blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg or higher on two separate occasions at least four hours apart after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

* Protein in the urine: Protein in the urine (proteinuria) of 300 mg or more in a 24-hour urine collection or a urine protein-to-creatinine ratio of 0.3 or higher.

* Other signs and symptoms: Swelling (edema) in the face, hands, feet, and ankles; sudden weight gain; headaches; vision changes; and abdominal pain.

Eclampsia

* Seizures: Seizures that occur in a woman with preeclampsia.

* Other signs and symptoms: Coma; high blood pressure; protein in the urine; swelling (edema) in the face, hands, feet, and ankles; sudden weight gain; headaches; vision changes; and abdominal pain.

Eclampsia is a medical emergency and usually requires immediate delivery of the baby.