Preeclampsia in Pregnancy

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Fact Sheet: Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is high blood pressure that occurs as a result of pregnancy. It is characterized by an increase in blood pressure, fluid retention, and protein excretion in the urine (proteinurea). The cause of preeclampsia is unknown and therefore, one treatment is not solely recognized.

Diagnosis of preeclampsia is based on your blood pressure readings. High blood pressure is diagnosed if readings are 30 units above your normal for the top number (systolic) and 15 units above your normal for the bottom number (diastolic). Any bottom number over 100 is considered high blood pressure. Because it is very difficult for you to tell if you have high blood pressure (without a blood pressure reading), it is vitally important to schedule and attend all prenatal appointments.

Preeclampsia can be a very dangerous condition if left untreated and may seriously injure the mother and baby. The condition can develop into eclampsia, which is characterized by seizures and potential hemorrhage.

Mild preeclampsia is usually treated with bed rest only, as long as there is no harm being inflicted on the fetus. You may be advised to maintain a low sodium diet, and lie on your left side to reduce pressure on the major vessels to the heart. Hospitalization may also be necessary to more closely monitor your condition and/or administer blood pressure medication. In cases of severe preeclampsia when the baby is near term, induced or cesarean delivery is the best option.

Because of enhanced procedures in prenatal care, preeclampsia is being detected sooner and has become easier to control. Once the baby is born, the mother's blood pressure generally returns to normal. However, women who were diagnosed during pregnancy do have a greater chance of developing high blood pressure again at some point in the future.

References Random House, Inc.Larson, David E., MD, ed. Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, second edition.William Morrow and Company, Inc. New York: 1996. Slupik, Ramona I., MD, ed. American Medical Association Complete Guide to Women's Health. Random House, Inc. New York: 1996.

This information was provided by Clinical Tools' Health Center
(http://www.health-center.com) and is copyright, Clinical Tools, Inc.