Which condition is characterized by hypertension during pregnancy?

Preeclampsia is a condition that specifically occurs during pregnancy and is characterized by the onset of hypertension along with signs of damage to another organ system, most often the kidneys, as indicated by elevated levels of protein in the urine. It typically develops after the 20th week of pregnancy and can lead to serious complications for both the mother and baby if not managed appropriately.

While gestational diabetes involves elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy, it does not directly involve high blood pressure as a primary characteristic. Similarly, placenta previa refers to a condition where the placenta is abnormally positioned in the lower part of the uterus and does not inherently cause hypertension. Ectopic pregnancy, on the other hand, occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus and does not relate to hypertension during pregnancy. Therefore, the distinguishing feature of preeclampsia as a hypertensive disorder makes it the correct choice in this context.