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

However, Sumpter was later diagnosed with preeclampsia—a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure, excessive swelling, headaches, body pain, and alarming levels of protein in urine—and giving birth affected her appearance. —Essence, 3 Sep. 2025

Mirvie developed a diagnostic test that uses RNA technology to predict and prevent preeclampsia, a condition that affects about 1 in 12 pregnancies and can lead to seizures, organ failure, or even death. —Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025

During or after pregnancy, women can develop high blood pressure, including a dangerous condition called preeclampsia. —Stephanie Innes, AZCentral.com, 26 Aug. 2025

Among the areas the foundation hopes to make progress are research into the vaginal microbiome, therapeutics for preeclampsia, and non-hormonal contraception. —Indrani Sen, Fortune, 4 Aug. 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