Which measurement is indicative of mild preeclampsia when blood pressure is increasing?

In the context of mild preeclampsia, the presence of proteinuria is a key indicator. When a pregnant woman exhibits an increase in blood pressure along with a protein level of 1+ in the urine, it is suggestive of mild preeclampsia. Proteinuria indicates that the kidneys are not functioning properly, which is a significant concern in preeclampsia, as it can signify underlying problems with blood flow and organ function.

Monitoring protein levels in urine is a critical component of diagnosing and managing preeclampsia. Other markers related to preeclampsia—such as changes in blood glucose levels, fetal heart rate, or weight gain—do not specifically indicate the condition as effectively as proteinuria does in conjunction with elevated blood pressure. This makes the identification of proteinuria a central focus in evaluating potential cases of preeclampsia, especially for distinguishing between different severities of the condition.