Table of Contents
- Overview
- Symptoms
- Treatment
- Prevention
- Images
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy condition in which
Alternative Names
Toxemia; Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH)
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
The exact cause of preeclampsia is not known. Possible causes include:
Autoimmune disorders - Blood vessel problems
- Diet
- Genes
Preeclampsia occurs in a small percentage of pregnancies. Risk factors include:
- First pregnancy
- Multiple pregnancy (twins or more)
- Obesity
- Older than age 35
- Past history of
diabetes , high blood pressure, orkidney disease
Review Date: 09/02/2009
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of
Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of
Medicine; and Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department
of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget
Sound, Redmond, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department
of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of
Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director,
A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
