Preeclampsia and Eclampsia
Preeclampsia describes an abnormal increase in a woman's blood pressure after the 20th week of pregnancy. Preeclampsia is often associated with swelling in the face and hands. (A woman's feet might swell, too, but swollen feet are common during healthy pregnancies; swollen feet do not always mean there is a problem.) This dangerous condition occurs in 3% to 4% of all pregnancies and is the leading cause of maternal and fetal death in the United States.
Eclampsia is a more severe form of preeclampsia that can lead to seizures and coma. Estimates place the number of women affected by eclampsia at one in 200 women who have preeclampsia. Eclampsia can be fatal if it's not treated quickly.
High blood pressure is one possible sign of preeclampsia. Having abnormal levels of protein in the urine is also part of preeclampsia. If you are pregnant and your blood pressure normally runs high, or is suddenly high, your health care provider may ask for frequent urine samples throughout your pregnancy, to test your urine for protein as a sign of preeclampsia.
There is no proven way to prevent preeclampsia. Most women who develop signs of preeclampsia, however, are closely monitored to lessen or avoid related problems. The only way to "cure" preeclampsia is to deliver the baby.
