Hypothesis: Preeclampsia as a Maternal-Fetal Conflict

The association of preeclampsia with both high and low birth weight
challenges the current belief that reduced uteroplacental perfusion is the unique pathophysiologic process in
preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is thus presented from a new perspective, in the framework of maternal/fetal
conflict. Interspecies comparisons encourage us to raise new questions concerning the potential for conflict
among humans. The spectacular brain growth spurt during the second half of fetal life is a specifically human
trait. A conflict between the demands expressed by the fetus and what the mother can do without depleting her
body leads us to consider first the needs of the developing brain. KEY WORDS: preeclampsia, brain
development.