What is Preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is a condition that occurs during pregnancy and
up to six weeks after giving birth. It may start with increased
blood pressure readings and protein in urine
(test done by medical provider). It usually starts after
the 5th month of pregnancy.
Your medical provider will test for this condition at each prenatal
visit. Preeclampsia can be mild and change to moderate or severe.
If the condition is severe or not treated, it can be
life-threatening and lead to:
• Kidney damage
• Seizures (uncontrolled body
movements)
• Liver damage
• Bleeding problems • Limiting the growth of the baby
Preeclampsia can start after the
5th month of pregnancy and up
to six weeks after giving birth.
The only cure for preeclampsia is the birth of the baby. This is
the reason your medical provider may suggest an early delivery
before the due date.
Babies born too early have more health problems because they
may not be fully grown. These babies may need to stay in the
hospital for a long time. Some babies can have very serious health
problems that can last a lifetime.
What are the risk factors?
It is not clear why some women have preeclampsia. We do know
some things make a woman more likely to have this condition.
These are called risk factors. Having a risk factor doesn’t mean
that you’ll have preeclampsia. But it may add
to your chances.
• Pregnant for first time
• Having preeclampsia during past pregnancy or family
history of preeclampsia
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• History of high blood pressure
• Over 40 years old
• Multiple pregnancy - twins, triplets and more
• Diabetes
• Blood clotting disorders
• More than 30 pounds overweight before
pregnancy
Early warning signs and symptoms
• High Blood Pressure
• Protein in urine
• Sudden weight gain (2-5 pounds in a week)
• Swelling in hands, feet and face
Treatment
• Close monitoring of your blood pressure, protein
in urine, and certain blood tests to see if it is
affecting your kidneys and liver
• Blood pressure medicines and bed rest at home
or in the hospital
• If bed rest and blood pressure medication is
not helping to decrease the signs and symptoms,
this may lead to delivering your baby before your
due date
• During labor, medications may be given through
your vein to help reduce your having a seizure
If you have one or more of these signs, see
your medical provider or go to emergency
room immediately
• Headache that won’t go away
• Blurry vision, seeing spots or flashing lights
• Pain: usually on the right side under the ribs,
stomach or chest pain
• Breathing problems
• Seizure
If you have any questions about Preeclampsia, call Member Services.
The phone number to call is 1-888-FHN-4YOU (346-4968) or talk to
your medical provider.
References
The American Congress of Obstetricians
and Gynecologist
409 12th Street SW
Washington, DC 20024-2188
Mailing Address:
PO Box 70620
Washington, DC 20024-9998
www.acog.org
Preeclampsia Foundation
www.preeclampsia.org