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Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is new high blood pressure that happens during pregnancy. It usually occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It affects the kidneys, liver, brain, and placenta. It can cause a headache that won't go away, vision problems, belly pain, and swollen hands and face.
Preeclampsia can be treated with medicine and close monitoring. If not treated, it can be deadly for the mother and baby.
Preeclampsia usually goes away after the baby is born. But symptoms may last a few weeks or more and can get worse after delivery. Rarely, symptoms of preeclampsia don't show up until days or even weeks after childbirth.
Current as of: February 23, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & William Gilbert MD - Maternal and Fetal Medicine & JoLynn Montgomery PA - Family Medicine & Heather Quinn MD - Family Medicine