How does obesity contribute to the effect of pre-eclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a common complication of pregnancy that causes high blood pressure and protein in the urine. If left untreated, preeclampsia can lead to kidney and liver abnormalities, stroke, and even death. Obesity with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 is a risk factor for preeclampsia. The relationship between maternal obesity and preeclampsia is still being studied.