How is preeclampsia diagnosed?

    Written by:
    Peter Woznik

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    by:

    Rachel Hathcock, James Gaylor
    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    Preeclampsia is diagnosed after 20 weeks of gestation through high blood pressure and signs of organ damage; specific criteria include elevated blood pressure readings and proteinuria. Additional indicators for diagnosis may include elevated creatinine, low platelet count, liver dysfunction, pulmonary edema, or neurological issues.

    Preeclampsia is diagnosed by the onset of high blood pressure and signs of organ damage after 20 weeks gestation (though very rarely it may occur earlier). The formal criteria for a diagnosis include:

    • Blood pressure elevation as follows:
    • Systolic blood pressure elevation of ≥140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure elevation of ≥90 mmHg on two occasions at least four hours apart, OR
    • blood pressure elevation of ≥ 160/110 mmHg on two occasions at least several minutes apart
    • Proteinuria (≥ 300 mg/24 hours, or protein/creatinine ratio of ≥ 0.3, or +2 by dipstick testing if quantitative measurement is not available)[1][2][3][4], OR at least one of the following signs:
    • Elevated creatinine (>1 mg/dL)[5]
    • Low platelets (<100 x 109/L)[6]
    • Liver dysfunction (elevated transaminases)
    • Fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema)
    • Neurological dysfunction (hyperreflexia, visual disturbances, headache)[5][7]
    How is preeclampsia diagnosed? - Examine