Final answer:
The classic signs of preeclampsia are high blood pressure, proteinuria, and edema. It's most commonly seen in pregnant women after 20 weeks and can lead to serious complications if not properly managed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three classic signs of preeclampsia are high blood pressure, proteinuria (presence of protein in urine), and edema (swelling, particularly of the hands and face). These symptoms are significant because they can indicate more severe complications for both mother and child. Preeclampsia generally occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy in women whose blood pressure had previously been normal.
Women of childbearing age experiencing preeclampsia may also have symptoms including breathlessness on exertion, giddiness, and pallor of the skin, often accompanied by edema of the ankles in more severe cases. Although not exclusively associated with preeclampsia, symptoms such as darkening of urine upon standing, abdominal pain, and cardiovascular abnormalities can also be observed in the context of this condition.
It's important to monitor for preeclampsia due to its potential impact on the health of both mother and child. Healthcare providers typically screen for preeclampsia as part of routine prenatal care.