preeclampsia

preeclampsia A condition that is characterized by a sharp rise in blood pressure during the third trimester of pregnancy. Hypertension may be accompanied by swollen ankles, irritability, and kidney problems, as evidenced by protein in the urine. Although preeclampsia is relatively common, occurring in about 5 percent of all pregnancies and more frequently in first pregnancies than in others, it can be a sign of serious problems. It may indicate that the placenta is detaching from the uterus, for example. In some cases, untreated preeclampsia can progress to eclampsia, a life-threatening situation for both the mother and the fetus. Treatment involves bed rest and sometimes medication. If treatment is ineffective, induced birth or a C-section may have to be considered. See also eclampsia; HELLP syndrome.