Preeclampsia (Pregnancy Induced Hypertension) »
Introduction to Preeclampsia
Although many pregnant women with
high blood pressure have healthy babies without serious problems, high blood pressure can be dangerous for both the mother and the fetus. Women with pre-existing, or chronic, high blood pressure are more likely to have certain complications during pregnancy than those with normal blood pressure. However, some women develop high blood pressure while they are pregnant (often called
gestational hypertension).
The effects of high blood pressure range from mild to severe. High blood pressure can harm the mother's kidneys and other organs, and it can cause low birth weight and early delivery. In the most serious cases, the mother develops preeclampsia-or "toxemia of pregnancy"-which can threaten the lives of both the mother and the fetus.
What is preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is a condition that typically starts after the 20th week of
pregnancy and is related to increas...
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