PREECLAMPSIA (TOXEMIA)

Preeclampsia is characterized by persistent high blood pressure and other problems in people who are pregnant or who have recently given birth. *Blood Pressure of 140/90 or Higher = EMERGENCY!!!!

What You Need to Know

• Preeclampsia happens in about 5% to 8% of pregnancies. Having it once increases the chances of having it in future pregnancies.

• Complications can include premature birth, fluid in the lungs, bleeding problems, and liver or kidney damage. There is also the risk of seizures, stroke and death of either the mother or the baby.

• Treatment, if necessary, is based on how far along the pregnancy is, and may include induced labor or Caesarean section (C-section).
  

What is preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is persistent high blood pressure that happens during pregnancy or after giving birth. It is potentially serious and its complications, such as liver and kidney damage, can threaten the life of mother and baby. Preeclampsia can also cause a decrease in the number of blood cells called platelets and damage to the placenta, the kidneys or liver.

Most cases of preeclampsia occur between the 24th and 27th weeks of pregnancy or soon after giving birth (postpartum preeclampsia), but can occur any time after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Signs and Symptoms of Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is diagnosed through signs and symptoms that can appear during pregnancy.

*GODDESS POWER HOUR RECOMMENDS PURCHASING A BLOOD PRESSURE CUFF TO TAKE DAILY BPs TO MONITOR HEALTH*

Signs of Preeclampsia

A doctor may suspect preeclampsia and recommend more tests and treatments if you exhibit one or more of the following:

• High blood pressure (hypertension), which often has no symptoms. It is important that pregnant people know their blood pressure and check it regularly.

• Swelling around the eyes, in the face or hands (mild swelling of the feet is normal during many pregnancies)

• Sudden weight gain of more than 3 to 5 pounds in one week

• Protein in your urine, which a doctor can detect with a simple urine test

• Low or lessened output of urine

• Vaginal bleeding
  

Symptoms of Preeclampsia

Pregnancy can cause many new or unfamiliar sensations in the body, but certain symptoms associated with preeclampsia can put your health at risk. Pregnant people should call their obstetrician right away if they are having preeclampsia symptoms such as:

• A dull, throbbing, migraine-like headache that won’t go away, especially when the headache is accompanied by sensitivity to light

• Nausea or vomiting that shows up suddenly after the midpoint of pregnancy

• Pain in the belly (abdomen), right shoulder or under the ribs on the right side

• Vision changes such as blurred or double vision, flashing lights or spots

• Feeling the baby moving less than usual

Preeclampsia Test

A new blood test for preeclampsia may be able to help identify pregnant people at risk. The test measures a balance of two proteins produced by the placenta. A higher imbalance between the proteins indicates the chances of progressing to preeclampsia.

Although not yet widely available or commonly used, the preeclampsia test will be for those hospitalized for high blood pressure in the 23rd to 35th week of pregnancy. The test is intended to help doctors recommend the best approach to treatment for each patient.

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content is for informational and educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice

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https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/preeclampsia