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Preeclampsia can affect both you and your unborn baby. That's because it starts with a problem in the organ that joins the two of you. That organ is called the placenta.

In preeclampsia, the placenta does not get as much blood from you as it should. Whether this affects your baby, and how badly, depends on how much blood gets through to your baby.

The main thing that can happen if your baby doesn't get enough blood is that he or she may not grow properly in your womb. It happens to about 3 in 10 babies whose mothers have preeclampsia.¹

If you have severe preeclampsia and it's not treated, some other things may happen.

• Your baby may not get enough oxygen. If this is serious, your baby could die.
• There may not be enough fluid around your baby in your womb. This can stop your baby from growing properly, too.
• The placenta may break loose from where it is joined to your womb. This can cause heavy bleeding and other problems for you. And your baby can die.
• Your baby may need to be born early. Doctors call this being premature. In that case, your baby may need intensive care.

But the good news is that with modern care before and after birth, doctors can usually pick up these problems in time to save the baby.

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.