Preeclampsia Meaning and Definition
Preeclampsia
Pronunciation
/priˌɛklæmˈsiːə/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A disorder that occurs in pregnancy, characterized by high blood pressure and damage to organs such as the kidneys and liver, and is often accompanied by symptoms such as protein in the urine and swelling.
Etymology
The word “Preeclampsia” is derived from the Greek words “praegnans” meaning “pregnant” and “klampē” meaning “spasm” or ” convulsion”, and was first coined in the 19th century to describe the condition.
Usage Notes
Preeclampsia is typically used in medical contexts to describe the condition, and is often used in combination with other terms such as “gestational hypertension” or “maternal hypertension” to provide more specific information.
Cultural References
Preeclampsia has been featured in popular media, including books, movies, and television shows, often as a plot device to explore the challenges and risks of pregnancy.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
There are no idiomatic expressions or phrases that specifically use the term “Preeclampsia”. However, the condition is often referred to as “pregnancy-induced hypertension” or “gestational hypertension” in informal contexts.
Related Words or Phrases
Preeclampsia is closely related to other conditions such as hypertension, kidney disease, and liver disease, and is often used in combination with these terms to describe the condition and its effects.
Collocations
Preeclampsia is often collocated with other terms such as “pregnancy”, “hypothesis”, and “complications”, to provide more specific information about the condition.
Frequency of Use
Preeclampsia is a relatively rare condition, and as such, it is not commonly used in everyday language. However, it is an important term in medical and scientific contexts, and is used frequently in medical literature and research.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of “Preeclampsia” include “Pregnacia”, “Pregnalsia”, and “Preeclamisa”.
Examples
- The doctor monitored the mother’s blood pressure closely to prevent the onset of preeclampsia.
- Preeclampsia is a common complication of pregnancy that can lead to serious health issues for both the mother and the baby.
Synonyms
- Pregnancy-induced hypertension
- Gestational hypertension
Antonyms
- Normotension
- Normouria
Additional Information
Preeclampsia is a disorder that typically develops after the 20th week of pregnancy and is characterized by high blood pressure and damage to organs such as the kidneys and liver. It is a significant risk factor for the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby. In severe cases, preeclampsia can lead to serious complications, including placental abruption, intrauterine growth restriction, and fetal demise.