Reviewed by Traci C. Johnson, MD on December 03, 2021 Preeclampsia, formerly called toxemia, is
when pregnant
women have high blood pressure, protein in their urine, and swelling in their legs, feet, and hands. It can range from mild to severe. It usually happens late in pregnancy, though it can come earlier or just after delivery. Preeclampsia can lead to eclampsia, a serious condition that can have health
risks for mom and baby and, in rare cases, cause death. If your preeclampsia leads to seizures, you have eclampsia. The only cure for preeclampsia is to give birth. Even after delivery, symptoms of preeclampsia can last 6 weeks or more. You can help protect yourself by learning the symptoms of preeclampsia and by seeing your doctor for regular prenatal care. Catching
preeclampsia early may lower the chances of long-term problems for both mom and baby. In addition to swelling (also called edema), protein in the urine, and blood pressure over 140/90, preeclampsia symptoms
include: Some women with preeclampsia don’t have any symptoms, so it’s important to see your doctor for regular blood pressure
checks and urine tests. Preeclampsia can happen as early as 20 weeks into pregnancy, but that’s rare. Symptoms often begin after 34 weeks. In a few cases, symptoms develop after birth, usually within 48 hours of delivery. They tend to go away on their own. Many experts think preeclampsia and eclampsia happen when a woman’s placenta
doesn’t work the way it should, but they don’t know exactly why. Some think poor nutrition or high body fat might contribute. A lack of blood flow to the uterus could play a role. Genes are also a factor. Preeclampsia is one of four blood pressure disorders in pregnant women. The other three are: Things that can increase your chance of getting preeclampsia include: Preeclampsia can keep your placenta from getting enough blood, which can cause your baby to be born very small. This is called fetal growth restriction. It’s also one of the most common causes of premature births and the complications that can follow, including learning disabilities, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and hearing and vision problems. Preeclampsia can cause rare but serious complications that include:
When preeclampsia or eclampsia damages your liver and blood cells, you can get a complication called HELLP syndrome. That stands for:
HELLP syndrome is a medical emergency. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have symptoms including:
Preeclampsia can also cause your placenta to suddenly separate from your uterus, which is called placental abruption. This can lead to stillbirth. You have preeclampsia if you have high blood pressure and at least one of these other signs:
To confirm a diagnosis, your doctor might give you tests including:
Preeclampsia TreatmentThe only cure for preeclampsia and eclampsia is to give birth. Your doctor will talk with you about when to deliver based on how far along your baby is, how well your baby is doing in your womb, and the severity of your preeclampsia. If your baby has developed well, usually by 37 weeks or later, your doctor may want to induce labor or do a cesarean section. This will keep preeclampsia from getting worse. If your baby isn’t close to term, you and your doctor may be able to treat mild preeclampsia until your baby has developed enough to be safely delivered. The closer the birth is to your due date, the better it is for your baby. If you have mild preeclampsia, also known as preeclampsia without severe features, your doctor may prescribe:
Your doctor also may tell you to stay in the hospital so they can watch you closely. In the hospital, you might get:
Other treatments include:
For severe preeclampsia, your doctor may need to deliver your baby right away, even if you're not close to term. Afterward, symptoms of preeclampsia should go away within 1 to 6 weeks but could last longer. Preeclampsia PreventionIf you have a greater chance of getting preeclampsia, talk to your doctor about making lifestyle changes that can help keep you healthy. You might need to:
Your doctor might also tell you to take a low-dose (81 milligram) aspirin each day. But don’t take any medications, vitamins, or supplements without talking to them first. What is considered high blood pressure for preeclampsia?When you have preeclampsia, your blood pressure is elevated (higher than 140/90 mmHg), and you may have high levels of protein in your urine. Preeclampsia puts stress on your heart and other organs and can cause serious complications.
How high is too high preeclampsia?How is preeclampsia diagnosed? Your health care provider will check your blood pressure and urine at each prenatal visit. If your blood pressure reading is high (140/90 or higher), especially after the 20th week of pregnancy, your provider will likely want to run some tests.
What is dangerously high blood pressure in pregnancy?It's a systolic pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher or a diastolic pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher.
What are the 3 early signs of preeclampsia?Along with high blood pressure, preeclampsia signs and symptoms may include: Excess protein in urine (proteinuria) or other signs of kidney problems. Decreased levels of platelets in blood (thrombocytopenia) Increased liver enzymes that indicate liver problems.
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