Throughout pregnancy, you will go through many tests and checkups to ensure that all is going well with you and Baby. Preeclampsia is one of the most serious pregnancy conditions, and accordingly, among those that your healthcare provider will monitor you closely for.
What is preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is a dangerous pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Other symptoms include severe headaches, changes in vision, upper abdominal pain or heartburn, and sudden swelling – often in the face and hands. If seizures occur, it is termed “eclampsia” and is considered life-threatening for both parent and baby.
How do healthcare providers detect it?
At most prenatal visits your healthcare provider will check your blood pressure and may have you leave a urine sample to check for protein. There is not one single test for preeclampsia – it’s a combination of lab result changes, blood pressure trends and symptoms. Preeclampsia can impact multiple organ systems in your body, including your brain. Babies are also at risk, as placental function is often impacted.
If your healthcare provider detects excess protein in your urine or elevated blood pressure or you report concerning symptoms, you will likely undergo more testing and observation. Most of the time, preeclampsia happens after about 20 weeks, and because the only “cure” is giving birth, careful monitoring and care are important to keep you and your baby safe and to get you as close to a full-term birth as possible.
Read more
Sources
- “Signs & Symptoms.” Preeclampsia Foundation. Preeclampsia Foundation, 7/5/2010. Web.
- “Preeclampsia.” U.S National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus, 7/28/2014. Web.
- “Preeclampsia and High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy: FAQ034.” ACOG. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 9/14/2015. Web.
- “Eclampsia.” U.S National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus, 2/2/2014. Web.
