Pre-eclampsia is characterised by high blood pressure, fluid retention that first shows up in the second half of pregnancy, and protein in the urine.

 If unrecognised, pre-eclampsia can progress to the syndrome of hemolysis (microangiopathic hemolytic anaemia), elevated liver-enzyme levels (hepatocellular damage), and low platelet count (HELLP) and eclampsia. HELLP syndrome is noted in 5-10% of patients with preeclamptic symptoms.  In addition to the signs and symptoms of pre-eclampsia, most

patients have right upper quadrant (RUQ) abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Since pre-eclampsia can severely restrict the flow of blood to the placenta, it can be quite dangerous for a developing baby. If it's not treated it can develop into eclampsia, a serious condition that can cause convulsions. Eclampsia can be very dangerous for a mother and her unborn child.