Preeclampsia is also called preeclampsia, and high blood pressure can cause swelling. sudden weight gain and kidney problems They may present around the 20th week of pregnancy and persist until the baby is born. Pre-eclampsia affects about 6% to 8% of all pregnancies. It's common with first babies. Preeclampsia is serious. A condition that requires immediate treatment because it can turn into a serious problem called eclampsia. Eclampsia is life-threatening and can lead to seizures or coma. In some cases, the mother or baby may die.