What is a notable symptom of preeclampsia?

A notable symptom of preeclampsia is proteinuria, which refers to the presence of excess protein in the urine. This condition typically occurs during pregnancy and is associated with high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organs, commonly the kidneys. The presence of protein in the urine is a key diagnostic criterion for preeclampsia and indicates the body's inability to filter proteins properly due to impaired kidney function, which is often a consequence of the vascular changes associated with this disorder.

Preeclampsia usually develops after the 20th week of pregnancy and can lead to serious complications for both the mother and fetus if not managed appropriately. Monitoring for proteinuria, along with blood pressure readings, is a critical part of prenatal care for expecting mothers, especially those at higher risk for developing preeclampsia. Other symptoms may accompany the condition, but proteinuria specifically serves as a distinguishing and measurable indicator of the disease's progression.