Preeclampsia is a very serious pregnancy condition that requires immediate medical care. If you have questions or concerns about preeclampsia, please contact your PGOMG provider immediately. If symptoms develop, please seek emergency medical care first.
What are the symptoms of preeclampsia?
- High blood pressure
- Urine tests positive for protein
- Swollen legs and feet
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Headache
- Nausea
- Bloating
Please note: It is possible for preeclampsia to occur without any symptoms. This is why blood pressure monitoring is such an important part of your obstetrical visits to PGOMG.
Can preeclampsia be prevented?
The following steps can be taken to help prevent preeclampsia, but this does not mean they are a guarantee. The condition is caused by internal medical factors, such as blood flow to the uterus, your genes, your immune system and/or damaged blood vessels. However, physicians strongly recommend the following steps for a healthy pregnancy and delivery:
- Attend all prenatal appointments
- Be vocal about symptoms/concerns with your obstetrician
- Monitor changes to your body closely; consider keeping a journal to track changes
- Ask your doctor if you meet risk factors for preeclampsia
- Doctors may recommend low-dose aspirin or calcium supplements depending on your personal/family medical history. Please do not begin any medication or supplement routine until your doctor has confirmed it is safe to do so.
Can preeclampsia be treated?
If you are diagnosed as having preeclampsia, you will be asked to attend more prenatal visits than is normally required. This can result in more blood tests, urine tests and ultrasounds in order to carefully monitor your health as well as your baby’s. Medications to lower blood pressure may be prescribed, and other medications may be recommended depending on the severity of your condition. Bed rest is also very common, and hospitalization may be required as well. Ultimately, the only way to end preeclampsia is childbirth.
If you have questions or concerns about preeclampsia, please contact your PGOMG provider as soon as possible, particularly if you have a personal or family history of the condition or a history of high blood pressure.
