Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy condition marked by a sudden increase in blood pressure, significant protein leakage into the urine, and swelling of the hands, feet, and face. It is the most prevalent pregnancy-related condition, affecting around 5% of pregnancies, typically during the third trimester. This condition occurs more frequently in first-time pregnancies and is more common in women with a history of high blood pressure or those expecting twins. Some women have a strong predisposition to developing pre-eclampsia with each pregnancy, and it is often seen in daughters of mothers who have experienced it, indicating a familial tendency.Pre-eclampsia can signal severe complications, such as the potential detachment of the placenta from the uterine wall. If left untreated, it can escalate to eclampsia, a dangerous condition for both mother and child, characterized by seizures and coma. The initial approach to managing pre-eclampsia involves bed rest and possibly medication. Should these measures fail, labor may need to be induced, or a cesarean section performed. Fortunately, pre-eclampsia typically resolves shortly after delivery.The term pre-eclampsia can also be spelled with a hyphen, and it was previously known by another name.
