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

And many women experience complications during pregnancy, such as high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes. —Chantelle Lee, Time, 20 Feb. 2026

Seeing a doctor in the early weeks of pregnancy can also identify patients at risk for preeclampsia, a potentially deadly condition that causes dangerously high blood pressure during later stages of pregnancy. —Erika Edwards, NBC news, 19 Feb. 2026

After 40 and 50, that risk can accelerate, especially for women with certain health histories, including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia or autoimmune disease, Campa explains. —Jennifer Shanker, Flow Space, 17 Feb. 2026

Cluver is a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at nearby Stellenbosch University, and she's been searching for a treatment for preeclampsia for a decade. —Ari Daniel, NPR, 14 Feb. 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