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

For example, a number of pregnancy complications, like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and miscarriages, put women at higher lifetime risk of heart disease. —Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 20 Mar. 2026

On the same day, a 37-year-old woman’s brain hemorrhaged as a result of preeclampsia, a complication of pregnancy. —Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026

Studies suggest that moderate chocolate consumption during pregnancy is safe and may help lower mothers' blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of preeclampsia. —Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 10 Mar. 2026

Some women have postpartum hair loss, acne, dehydration, sleep deprivation and complications such as postpartum preeclampsia. —Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 9 Mar. 2026

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