Summary
Read the full fact sheet- Preeclampsia is a serious condition of pregnancy, usually characterised by high blood pressure, protein in the urine and severe swelling.
- Most women with preeclampsia feel fine. That is why regular antenatal check-ups are vital.
- There is no cure for preeclampsia, except birth of the baby and delivery of the placenta.
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This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
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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.What Is Preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia Symptoms
When Do Symptoms Show Up?
Preeclampsia Causes
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.Other High Blood Pressure Disorders in Pregnancy
Preeclampsia Risk Factors
Preeclampsia Complications
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: The 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 Diagnosis
Preeclampsia Treatment
Preeclampsia Prevention
If 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:
- Lose some weight if you’re overweight
- Stop smoking
- Exercise regularly
- Get your blood pressure or blood sugar under control
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.