Preeclampsia - What You Should Know

Preeclampsia, also known as pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), is a serious medical condition that can occur during pregnancy, typically after the 20th week. In some cases, preclampsia can happen during the 6 week post partum period as well. Preeclampsia consists of high blood pressure and, in advanced stages, damage to organs, most commonly the liver and kidneys, a life-threatening condition for both the pregnant person and their unborn baby if left untreated. Many pregnant people aren’t even aware they are experiencing preeclampsia at first, which is why we wanted to take the time to review some signs, symptoms, and other facts about preeclampsia so you can be more aware.

Note: If you are exhibiting any weird or abnormal symptoms during or after pregnancy, we recommend you speak to your healthcare provider immediately.

Symptoms

Preeclampsia can show up as a variety of symptoms, which is why it can sometimes be tricky to identify. Sometimes, pregnant people have zero signs of preeclampsia! Common symptoms, when they are present, include high blood pressure, swelling of the hands and face (edema), sudden weight gain, protein in the urine (proteinuria), headaches, visual disturbances (such as blurred vision or seeing spots), abdominal pain, and reduced urine output.

Risk Factors

While the exact cause of preeclampsia is not fully understood, several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing preeclampsia during or after pregnancy. These include a history of preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy, being pregnant with twins or multiples, obesity, being under 20 or over 40 years old, having certain medical conditions like chronic hypertension, diabetes, or kidney disease, and having a family history of preeclampsia. Any of these factors does not mean you will definitely develop preeclampsia while you’re pregnant, however, be sure to tell your healthcare provider about your risk factors so they can be aware to keep a close eye.

Complications

Preeclampsia can lead to a number of complications for both the pregnant person and the baby. For the pregnant person, these complications can include seizures (eclampsia), organ damage (such as liver or kidney failure), stroke, and in severe cases, death. For the baby, complications may include premature birth, low birth weight, and impaired growth due to reduced blood flow from the placenta in utero.

Diagnosis

Preeclampsia is typically diagnosed through regular prenatal check-ups, where blood pressure and urine protein levels are monitored. Other diagnostic tests may be performed, including blood tests, ultrasounds, and fetal monitoring. As we mentioned before, since some pregnant people do not show signs of preeclampsia, it is important to attend all of your prenatal appointments on time and regularly, and take the screenings seriously. Sometimes the only way preeclampsia can be identified is through a slightly elevated urine screen or blood pressure that’s not quite right!

Treatment

The only true treatment for preeclampsia is the birth of the baby and placenta, as this takes the strain of pregnancy off of your body and allows it to recover. However, the timing and method of your baby’s birth depend on various factors. The two largest factors are the gestational age of your baby (are they able to be born yet?) and the severity of the preeclampsia. In cases of mild preeclampsia, close monitoring and rest is typically enough until the baby is able to be born. Severe cases may require an emergency birth, even if the baby is premature.

Management

Women with preeclampsia may receive treatment to control their blood pressure and prevent complications as their pregnancy progresses. Bed rest was once a common treatment, but recent studies show that it may not be as effective as previously thought. That being said, resting more if your body needs it is absolutely fine, as well as being sure to mix in light exercise such as walking. Medications may also help in certain cases, which will be thoroughly discussed and prescribed by your healthcare professional.

Prevention

While preeclampsia cannot always be prevented, maintaining a healthy lifestyle before and during pregnancy can help reduce the risk. This includes attending regular prenatal check-ups, managing preexisting medical conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, staying physically active before, during, and after pregnancy, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol use.

It's important to work closely with your healthcare providers to monitor and manage your health during pregnancy. Preeclampsia requires prompt medical attention and management to make sure everyone stays as safe and healthy as possible. If you have questions about preeclampsia, talk to your doctor, midwife, doula, or other medical professional today.