Pre-eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia is a disorder of pregnancy affecting multiple body systems, marked by the new onset of high blood pressure after twenty weeks of pregnancy, typically along with a significant amount of protein in the urine or evidence of damage to other organs. In severe cases it can involve breakdown of red blood cells, a low platelet count, impaired liver function, kidney dysfunction, swelling, and shortness of breath. The condition is specific to pregnancy and resolves after delivery, though it can pose serious risks to both the pregnant person and the fetus while it is active.