Preeclampsia (pree-i-KLAMP-see-uh) and eclampsia (ih-KLAMP-see-uh) are disorders of high blood pressure that occur during pregnancy. Because of the mother's high blood pressure, in preeclampsia the blood supply to the growing fetus is reduced, and the fetus may get less oxygen and fewer nutrients. Eclampsia is when pregnant women with preeclampsia develop seizures or coma. The NICHD and other agencies are working to understand what causes these conditions and how they can be prevented and better treated.
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Common Names
- Preeclampsia and eclampsia
Medical or Scientific Names
- Preeclampsia and eclampsia