preeclampsia

noun

pre·​eclamp·​sia ˌprē-i-ˈklam(p)-sē-ə How to pronounce preeclampsia (audio)
: 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 adjective

Examples of preeclampsia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Nutrient requirements might vary depending on the mother’s health status (e.g., vegetarians may need additional choline and B12; people at risk of preeclampsia might need higher doses of calcium). Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 8 Jan. 2025 Other rare complications, like premature rupture of membranes (when the water breaks too early) or preeclampsia (life-threatening high blood pressure), can develop in the second trimester of pregnancy and endanger both the pregnant patient and the fetus. Kavitha Surana, ProPublica, 19 Dec. 2024 Regardless of what factors cause or contribute to the condition, preeclampsia is treated a number of different ways. Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024 Some conditions during pregnancy may warrant additional supplementation if dietary calcium intakes are low, such as carrying multiples or preeclampsia. Casey Seiden, Parents, 30 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for preeclampsia 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of preeclampsia was in 1923

Dictionary Entries Near preeclampsia

Cite this Entry

“Preeclampsia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preeclampsia. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

Medical Definition

preeclampsia

noun
pre·​eclamp·​sia ˌprē-i-ˈklam(p)-sē-ə How to pronounce preeclampsia (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on preeclampsia

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