What it means
A blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg or higher on two readings at least 4 hours apart, beginning after 20 weeks, without the protein in the urine or organ problems that would make it preeclampsiapree-ih-KLAMP-see-uhA disorder of pregnancy, starting after 20 weeks, that affects the blood vessels and organs such as the kidneys, liver and brain.pre- beforeeclampsia Full entry . It usually goes away within 12 weeks after birth. Some clients go on to develop preeclampsia, so they are watched closely.
For the nurse
Measure blood pressure with the right cuff size and the client seated. Teach the client to report a bad headache, vision changes, pain under the right ribs or in the upper abdomen, or sudden swelling of the face and hands.
At a glance
| Also written | pregnancy-induced hypertension, PIH |
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Related terms
hypertension
Blood pressure that stays higher than normal, at or above 130/80 mm Hg by current US guidelines.
preeclampsia
A disorder of pregnancy, starting after 20 weeks, that affects the blood vessels and organs such as the kidneys, liver and brain.
eclampsia
Seizures in a pregnant or recently pregnant person with preeclampsia, when no other cause explains them.
HELLP syndrome
A severe complication of pregnancy whose name stands for hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets.