Preeclampsia

Stages of Pregnancy Slideshow

• Preeclampsia Overview
• Preeclampsia Causes
• Preeclampsia Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Preeclampsia Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Medications
• Follow-up
• Outlook
• Web Links
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

Preeclampsia Overview

Preeclampsia is a serious complication of pregnancy associated with the development of high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Women diagnosed with preeclampsia may also complain of blurred vision, headaches, extreme swelling, and experience greater than normal weight gain. Toxemia is a common name used to describe preeclampsia.

• Approximately 5-7% of all pregnancies are complicated by preeclampsia.

• Preeclampsia usually occurs in a woman's first pregnancy but may occur for the first time in a subsequent pregnancy.

• Less than one in 100 women with preeclampsia will develop eclampsia or convulsions (seizures).

• Up to 20% of all pregnancies are complicated by high blood pressure. Complications resulting from high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and eclampsia may account for up to 20% of all deaths that occur in pregnant women.