preeclampsia

noun

pre·​eclamp·​sia ˌprē-i-ˈklam(p)-sē-ə How to pronounce preeclampsia (audio)
: 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 adjective

Examples of preeclampsia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Court documents state that the anesthesiologist failed to properly manage Maura's blood pressure or formulate a plan to treat preeclampsia, and went ahead with the C-section before the preeclampsia testing results came back from the lab. Gillian Telling, People.com, 9 May 2025 Some of these conditions include preeclampsia, postpartum hemorrhaging and blood clotting. Cheyanne M. Daniels, The Hill, 20 Apr. 2025 But after developing preeclampsia, they were forced to give birth in a hospital—and the contrast was stark. Stephanie Long, Essence, 17 Apr. 2025 Erin believes doctors' neglect in screening for preeclampsia happens far too often. Gillian Telling, People.com, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for preeclampsia

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of preeclampsia was in 1923

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Cite this Entry

“Preeclampsia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preeclampsia. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

Medical Definition

preeclampsia

noun
pre·​eclamp·​sia ˌprē-i-ˈklam(p)-sē-ə How to pronounce preeclampsia (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on preeclampsia

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