Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is pregnancy-induced high blood pressure that can cause life-threatening complications and preterm birth. While preeclampsia screenings are a routine part of your prenatal care, it’s important to recognize the symptoms to know when to seek treatment.

Preeclampsia Symptoms and Risks

Preeclampsia typically occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy but can occur earlier. In rare cases, it can develop after childbirth.

It’s possible to have preeclampsia and no noticeable symptoms. However, most women who have preeclampsia commonly experience the following:

• High blood pressure (over 140/90 mm Hg)
• Excess protein in the urine
• Sudden weight gain
• Abnormal swelling in the face and hands

Other signs of preeclampsia can include:

• Abdominal pain on the upper right side
• Decreased urination
• Nausea or vomiting
• Severe headaches
• Vision changes, including sensitivity to light, blurred vision, floaters, or temporary vision loss

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should bring them to the attention of your provider right away.

Complications of preeclampsia

Left untreated, preeclampsia can cause life-threatening complications for moms and babies. These include:

• Stroke
• Heart failure
• Fluid in the lungs
• Bleeding problems
• Kidney failure
• Liver failure
• Placental abruption, which occurs when the placenta detaches suddenly from the wall of the uterus
• Seizures
• Preterm birth

Risk Factors of Preeclampsia

The exact cause of preeclampsia is unknown. However, researchers believe it might result from problems in the placenta.

While it’s more common in first-time moms, other factors that put you at risk include:

• Age in teens or over age 40 during pregnancy
• Carrying multiples (twins, triplets)
• Personal or family history of preeclampsia
• Chronic medical condition in the mom, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney problems, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis

Preeclampsia Diagnosis at Virtua

At each prenatal visit, your provider conducts a routine preeclampsia screening that includes the following:

• Checking your blood pressure to make sure it’s within normal ranges
• Testing your urine to check for excess protein
• Monitoring your weight
• Looking for signs of abnormal swelling

If your provider detects protein in your urine, you may be asked to do a 24-hour urine collection to determine how much protein your body is losing.

If you’re showing any preeclampsia symptoms, your provider may order blood tests to see how your liver and kidneys are working. You may also have ultrasounds to monitor your baby’s health.

Preeclampsia Treatment at Virtua

Preeclampsia can only be cured by delivering your baby. However, your treatment will depend on the severity of your condition, the health of your unborn baby, and how close you are to a full-term pregnancy.

If you’re at or beyond 37 weeks in your pregnancy

If you’ve reached 37 weeks, your baby should be developed enough to be delivered safely. In this case, your provider may recommend inducing labor or performing a cesarean section to prevent your condition from worsening.

If you haven’t yet reached 37 weeks of pregnancy

If you haven’t reached 37 weeks, your provider will attempt to treat the preeclampsia and give your baby as much time as possible to grow and develop in your womb

For mild preeclampsia: Your provider might put you on restricted activity or bed rest. They will monitor your condition with frequent blood pressure checks and blood and urine tests and may monitor your baby’s condition through ultrasounds and other tests.

If your condition worsens, you may receive intravenous (IV) magnesium sulfate medication to protect your brain from seizures. You also might receive steroid injections to speed up your baby’s lung development and reduce the risk of complications related to preterm delivery.

For severe preeclampsia: If you’re experiencing severe preeclampsia, your doctor will deliver your baby immediately to reduce your risk for stroke and other complications.

Does preeclampsia go away after you give birth?

Preeclampsia typically goes away within a few weeks after delivery. However, your provider will monitor your health for several weeks and treat symptoms like high blood pressure if needed.

If you had preeclampsia, it can put you at greater risk for developing high blood pressure or heart disease later in life. Your doctor can help you lower those risks through medication or lifestyle changes.