A syndrome occurring in late pregnancy marked by an increase in blood pressure, swelling of the ankles by fluid, and the appearance of albumin in the urine, associated with reduced blood flow to the placenta, therefore putting the fetus at risk of death, or stillbirth, and putting the mother at risk of complications from high blood pressure, convulsions (eclampsia), kidney failure, liver failure and death. Treated with drugs to lower the blood pressure and to prevent convulsions, while expediting the delivery of the baby.