It results from the higher levels of blood and other fluids in the body. But preeclampsia causes even more fluid to be retained. As preeclampsia grows more severe, the kidneys become less effective and they release unprocessed protein into the urine. The flow of urine may also be reduced. Unless pre eclampsia goes untreated, it rarely proceeds to eclampsia.
Eclampsia produces soaring blood pressure, leading to seizures , coma , or even death.
Although preeclampsia has been exhaustively studied, its causes are unknown. Incidence Pre eclampsia occurs in about 1 in 20 pregnant women. It is much more likely in a first pregnancy than in following ones. It is also more likely if the woman is either in her teens or over 30, if she is severely overweight, or if she is carrying twins. Preeclampsia proceeds to full eclampsia in only about 1 in 200 pregnant women.