MD Preeclampsia is high blood pressure that develops or increases during pregnancy . The condition usually occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy. The placenta is the spongy material in the mother's uterus that nourishes the fetus.
Some experts believe that a problem with the placenta causes preeclampsia.
The mother has spasms of the blood vessels, which increase her blood pressure. The blood flow to the placenta is impaired. If the blood pressure is not controlled, it can damage the placenta and cause death of the fetus. It usually occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy. It may be mild or severe.