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High blood pressure from preeclampsia can put the fetus at risk. As the pressure narrows placental arteries, some areas of the placenta may not get enough blood. Over time, areas of the placenta could "die", putting the baby in distress.
Review Date 5/29/2026
Updated by: LaQuita Martinez, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emory Johns Creek Hospital, Alpharetta, GA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
