Pre-eclampsia is a condition in pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure (hypertension) and protein in the urine (proteinuria). If not properly recognized and managed, preeclampsia can progress to eclampsia, which involves the development of seizures in a woman with preeclampsia. Eclampsia can be serious for both mother and baby and can even be fatal.

The only treatment for pre-eclampsia is delivering the baby. 90% of cases occur after the 34th week of pregnancy, and an addition 5% after birth. The cause of pre-eclampsia is not always consistent but several factors can heighten the risk for developing the condition such as genetics, obesity, or a history of high blood pressure before pregnancy.