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

Cauthen had preeclampsia, which comes from high blood pressure and high levels of protein in the urine that indicate kidney damage or other signs of organ damage. —Roni Robbins, AJC.com, 15 May 2026

The health investment will aim to develop AI technology to assist in developing vaccines and other innovations, including the use of Claude to develop therapies for diseases including polio, HPV and preeclampsia. —Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026

Katie, who had already experienced a difficult first pregnancy with her older son, Kyle, due to developing preeclampsia — a potentially life-threatening blood pressure disorder — was overwhelmed by the news. —Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 10 May 2026

Postpartum preeclampsia is rarer and can occur up to six weeks after giving birth. —Tina Sturdevant, New York Times, 10 May 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