Differentials

Preeclampsia

SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
INVESTIGATIONS
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS

Usually there are no differentiating signs or symptoms, which is why it is important to always perform urinalysis.

Occasionally other symptoms may be present, including greater than expected weight gain, peripheral edema, blurred vision, and headaches.

INVESTIGATIONS

Proteinuria is ≥300 mg in 24 hours, or dipstick is persistently 2+.

Eclampsia

SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
INVESTIGATIONS
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS

Eclampsia is preeclampsia superimposed with seizures during the ante-, intra-, or postpartum period.

INVESTIGATIONS

Proteinuria is ≥300 mg in 24 hours, or dipstick is persistently 2+.

Hypertension, essential

SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
INVESTIGATIONS
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS

There are no differentiating signs and symptoms.

The woman already has an established history of hypertension before pregnancy, or hypertension persists after 12 weeks postpartum.

INVESTIGATIONS

Clinical diagnosis.

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