Headache and visual changes with high blood pressure in pregnancy indicate which condition?

Headache and visual changes with high blood pressure in pregnancy indicate which condition?

• A. Preeclampsia
• B. Anemia
• C. Hyperemesis gravidarum
• D. Gestational diabetes

Answer: (A)

Headache and visual changes with high blood pressure during pregnancy signal preeclampsia. This pregnancy-specific hypertensive disorder typically develops after 20 weeks and is defined by new-onset hypertension plus proteinuria or evidence of end-organ dysfunction. The headaches and vision changes reflect nervous system involvement from cerebral vasospasm and endothelial dysfunction, which can progress to more serious features needing urgent care. Other conditions like anemia, hyperemesis gravidarum, or gestational diabetes do not present with this combination of elevated blood pressure plus neurologic symptoms in mid- to late-pregnancy, so the scenario most consistent with the symptoms described is preeclampsia.

Headache and visual changes with high blood pressure during pregnancy signal preeclampsia. This pregnancy-specific hypertensive disorder typically develops after 20 weeks and is defined by new-onset hypertension plus proteinuria or evidence of end-organ dysfunction. The headaches and vision changes reflect nervous system involvement from cerebral vasospasm and endothelial dysfunction, which can progress to more serious features needing urgent care. Other conditions like anemia, hyperemesis gravidarum, or gestational diabetes do not present with this combination of elevated blood pressure plus neurologic symptoms in mid- to late-pregnancy, so the scenario most consistent with the symptoms described is preeclampsia.