Preeclampsia

preeclampsia /pre·eclamp·sia/ (pre?e-klamp´se-ah) a toxemia of late pregnancy, characterized by hypertension, proteinuria, and edema.

---

pre·e·clamp·si·a (pr-klmps-)

n.

A disorder occurring during late pregnancy or immediately following parturition, characterized by hypertension, edema, and proteinuria. Also called toxemia of pregnancy.

---

pree·clamptic (-tk) adj.

---

Preeclampsia

Also called toxemia, preeclampsia is a condition during pregnancy that results in high blood pressure, swelling that doesn't go away and large amounts of protein in the urine. Without treatment, it can progress to a dangerous condition called eclampsia, in which a woman goes into convulsions.

Mentioned in: Folic Acid, High-Risk Pregnancy, Induction of Labor, Intrauterine Growth Retardation, Prepregnancy Counseling, Respiratory Distress Syndrome