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

Rocco said she was diagnosed with preeclampsia, or high blood pressure, near the end of her pregnancy. — Yi-Jin Yu, ABC News, 13 July 2026

Jameela was born by emergency C-section in January 2024 after her mother, Sekani, began showing symptoms of preeclampsia. — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 June 2026

Without timely prenatal care, women go without screenings for hypertension, which, left unchecked, can lead to preeclampsia, a life-threatening condition for mom and baby. — Mary C. Mayhew, Sun Sentinel, 4 June 2026

After developing severe preeclampsia, Felix had an emergency C-section and delivered her daughter at 32 weeks. — Regina Mahone, Washington Post, 4 June 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