Preeclampsia is a condition in pregnancy which is characterized by abrupt hypertension, albuminuria, and edema and occurs in about 5% of all pregnancies. Worldwide deaths are over 77,000 per year with 700 deaths in the US. African American women are 3 to 4 time more likely to die than white women. Moreover, 15% of all pre-mature births are directly related to this condition.

 

This condition is the most common complication of Pregnancy and is prevalent in obese women generally occurring around the 20th week of pregnancy. If not treated it can lead to more serious eclampsia.

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The obesity epidemic is of increasing concern in the obstetrics community as these women are more likely to be hypertensive prior to pregnancy and experience adverse outcomes.