Preeclampsia is a potentially serious type of blood pressure issue that develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy or after childbirth (called postpartum preeclampsia). It can cause serious issues for both the mother and developing child, including damage to the kidneys, liver and brain.
Estimates suggest that it affects between 5-8 percent of pregnancies, and it’s a leading factor in preterm birth. Below, we take a closer look at preeclampsia and how you can prevent, manage and treat the condition during your pregnancy.
Signs And Symptoms Of Preeclampsia
High blood pressure is a potentially serious threat to both expecting mother and child, but because it doesn’t typically present with obvious symptoms, many women may not realize that they are dealing with the condition. This is why your doctor will check your blood pressure at all of your prenatal appointments.
Some patients do experience minor or mild symptoms as a result of their high blood pressure. If you’re dealing with any of the following symptoms, be sure to let your women’s care provider know during your next appointment:
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Vision issues
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Headaches
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Facial swelling
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Chest discomfort
How To Manage Preeclampsia
If you’ve been diagnosed with preeclampsia or your physician is at all concerned about your blood pressure levels, they’ll likely recommend a few different treatments. Depending on your specific situation, your doctor may recommend any or all of the following:
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Blood Pressure Medications – Some medications that are safe to take during pregnancy may help to reduce your blood pressure.
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Improving Your Diet – Eating a healthy diet can help to lower your blood pressure or prevent it from continuing to elevate. Your doctor can talk with you about how your diet can help control your blood pressure.
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Give Up Smoking – Smoking is associated with an increased risk of blood pressure. If you’re struggling to stop smoking during your pregnancy, your doctor can help.
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Exercise – Staying active can help to lower your blood pressure, but it’s also important not to overdo it. Your doctor will be able to talk with you about whether or not certain low-impact exercises could help manage your blood pressure.
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Regular Doctor Appointments – Attending all of your prenatal appointments can ensure that your doctor has a good understanding of your blood pressure and how it’s changing as you progress through your pregnancy. You may need to schedule more frequent appointments if you’ve been diagnosed with preeclampsia.
While the above tips may help prevent worsening blood pressure issues, the only cure for preeclampsia is childbirth. Because blood pressure issues can worsen the closer you get to full term, many women with mild to moderate preeclampsia deliver before 37 weeks. Your doctor can discuss your options with you, but delivering before this point is oftentimes safer for both mother and child.
In patients with severe preeclampsia, that timeline typically moves up even further. It’s not uncommon for patients with severe preeclampsia to deliver before 34 weeks, as this tends to be safer for both mother and child. Your doctor may induce labor or deliver your child via a c-section based on your specific situation and desires.
We’ve helped countless mothers navigate blood pressure issues during pregnancy and after their birth, and we’re equipped to help you in the event you develop preeclampsia during your pregnancy. For more information about the condition, or for answers to any other questions you have, give the team at MetroPartners OBGYN a call today at (651) 770-3320.