Preeclampsia can affect adversely both the mother and the baby. Firstly, as far as the mother goes, it can affect many organ systems. This is especially true if it occurs early in pregnancy and if it's severe. It can not only cause high blood pressure and protein in the urine, but it can also cause problems with the liver, and it can cause even problems with the brain. If it occurs early in pregnancy, it can also have a very severe effect on the fetus. The fetus can be growth restricted. In other words, it can be very small. It needs to be delivered early in pregnancy, so it has all of the problems that are associated with prematurity. And with that also comes not only serious problems immediately after birth, but oftentimes, long term. There is now also evidence that preeclampsia can cause significant problems in the mother long term.
