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Review ofLiterature
edema is associated with higher rate ofweight gain, hence the numerous
reports associating excessive weight gain with the development of
preeclampsia (De Swist , 1995).
Eclampsia:
Convulsions occurring in a patient with preeclampsia without
evident neurological disorder (Cunningham et al., 1997).
Chronic hypertenion :
The presence of sustained hypertension more than 140/90 mmHg
or higher before pregnancy or before 20· weeks.(Cunningham et al.,
1997).
Preclampsia or eclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension:
The occurrence of preeclampsia or eclampsia in women with
chronic hypertension, to make this diagnosis it is necessary to document a
rise of 30 mmHg or more in systolic or 15 mmHg more in diasolic blood
pressure, associated with proteinuria, edema or both, and diagnosis
requires documents ofunderlying chronic hypertension (Cunningham ct
al., 1997).
Transient hypertension:
The development of hypertension during pregnancy or early
puerperium in a previously normotensive women whose pressure
normalizes within 10 days postpartum.
23