In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): A procedure in which an egg is removed from a woman’s ovary, fertilized in a laboratory with the man’s sperm, and then transferred to the woman’s uterus to achieve a pregnancy. High Blood Pressure: Blood pressure above the normal level. HELLP stands for hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count. HELLP Syndrome: A severe type of preeclampsia. Gestational Hypertension: High blood pressure that is diagnosed after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It is the lower reading when blood pressure is taken.įetus: The stage of human development beyond 8 completed weeks after fertilization. These drugs also are given to help fetal lungs mature before birth.ĭiabetes Mellitus: A condition in which the levels of sugar in the blood are too high.ĭiastolic Blood Pressure: The force of the blood in the arteries when the heart is relaxed. An example of a pregnancy complication is preterm labor.Ĭorticosteroids: Drugs given for arthritis or other medical conditions. A complication also can occur as a result of a condition, such as pregnancy. An example is pneumonia that occurs as a result of the flu. BMI is used to determine whether a person is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.Ĭesarean Birth: Birth of a fetus from the uterus through an incision (cut) made in the woman’s abdomen.Ĭhronic Hypertension: Blood pressure that is higher than normal for a person’s age, sex, and physical condition.Ĭomplications: Diseases or conditions that happen as a result of another disease or condition. Lower income (because of inequities that increase risk of illness)Īrteries: Blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body.īody Mass Index (BMI): A number calculated from height and weight. Having multiple moderate risk factors (see below)įactors that may put you in the “moderate risk” category includeīeing pregnant more than 10 years after your previous pregnancyįamily history of preeclampsia (mother or sister)Ĭomplications in previous pregnancies, such as having a baby with a low birth weightīlack race (because of racism and inequities that increase risk of illness) Doctors refer to 'high risk' and 'moderate risk' of preeclampsia.įactors that may put you in the “high risk” category includeĬarrying more than one fetus (twins, triplets, or more)Īutoimmune conditions, such as lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE)

It is not clear why some women develop preeclampsia.

Printable blood pressure sheet