What complication can arise from untreated preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a condition characterized by high blood pressure and damage to organs, often the kidneys, that occurs during pregnancy. If left untreated, one of the severe complications that can arise is a maternal stroke. This occurs because high blood pressure can lead to a significant increase in the risk of cerebrovascular accidents as the vascular system is under stress. The elevated blood pressure and changes in blood flow can cause either ischemic strokes, due to decreased blood supply to areas of the brain, or hemorrhagic strokes, resulting from bleeding in the brain either from ruptured blood vessels or eclampsia, which can occur with untreated preeclampsia.

Addressing this risk is critical, as maternal stroke can lead to lasting neurological damage, morbidity, or even mortality. This highlights the importance of monitoring and managing blood pressure and overall health in pregnant individuals diagnosed with preeclampsia. While the other options present possible complications associated with various pregnancy conditions, they are not directly linked to the untreated progression of preeclampsia in the same way maternal stroke is.