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Pregnancy-induced hypertension (also referred to as toxemia, preeclampsia and eclampsia) is a condition that may develop most commonly during the second half of a woman's pregnancy. It is estimated that pregnancy-induced hypertension is present in 5 percent to 10 percent of pregnancies occurring in the United States, making this condition one of the more common complications associated with pregnancy.
Pregnancy-induced hypertension is present when the diastolic blood pressure (bottom number) is greater than 90 mm Hg, the systolic blood pressure (top number) is greater than 140 mm Hg.
During a routine pregnancy, a woman's blood pressure is checked during each prenatal visit. Blood pressure readings from one visit are then compared to previous readings, allowing the doctor or midwife to assess the overall trend in blood pressure.
Researchers have yet to determine the exact cause of pregnancy-induced hypertension, although many theories have been proposed to explain this disorder. What is known is that pregnancy-induced hypertension originates in the placenta. The disorder is believed by many to be a type of immunological response to conception itself. Quite possibly, the woman's body develops a "reaction" to the fetus and the placenta. Genetic factors may also play a role in this disorder because women whose sisters and mothers have been diagnosed with pregnancy-induced hypertension are more likely to develop it themselves.
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This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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