preeclampsia

noun

pre·​eclamp·​sia ˌprē-i-ˈklam(p)-sē-ə 

: a serious condition developing in late pregnancy that is characterized by a sudden rise in blood pressure, excessive weight gain, generalized edema, proteinuria, severe headache, and visual disturbances and that may result in eclampsia if untreated

preeclamptic

ˌprē-i-ˈklam(p)-tik 

adjective

Examples of preeclampsia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And most of the time, preeclampsia is diagnosed earlier in pregnancy and can be monitored and treated with the help of your doctor. —Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 10 Apr. 2025

Postpartum preeclampsia can cause high blood pressure up to six weeks after delivery. —Korin Miller, SELF, 9 Apr. 2025

Markle did not specify which of her pregnancies was followed by postpartum preeclampsia, but the conversation—a glimpse behind the curtain—is an honest and vulnerable one. —Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2025

Postpartum preeclampsia can cause seizures and other serious complications if left untreated. —Jack Guy, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for preeclampsia

• eclampsia

Medical Definition

preeclampsia

noun

pre·​eclamp·​sia ˌprē-i-ˈklam(p)-sē-ə 

: a serious condition developing in late pregnancy that is characterized by a sudden rise in blood pressure, excessive weight gain, generalized edema, proteinuria, severe headache, and visual disturbances and that may result in eclampsia if untreated compare eclampsia sense a, toxemia of pregnancy