Preeclampsia is a medical condition where high blood pressure arises in pregnancy (pregnancy-induced hypertension) in association with significant amounts of protein in the urine.

Preeclampsia may develop from 20 weeks gestation and its progress differs among patients; most cases are diagnosed pre-term.  It may also occur up to six weeks post-partum (after delivery).

Preeclampsia is the most common of the dangerous pregnancy complications; it may affect both the mother and the fetus.

References

Drife JO, Magowan (eds). Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology, chapter 39, pp 367-370. ISBN 0-7020-1775-2.