Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a serious condition that can happen during pregnancy. It usually occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy. This condition needs careful treatment to prevent complications.

At Banner Health, we offer comprehensive care for preeclampsia. Our team supports you throughout pregnancy to ensure your and your baby's health.

What is preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy condition that usually begins in the second or third trimester. It can also come after delivery (postpartum preeclampsia).

Preeclampsia is considered a syndrome because it involves many symptoms that happen at the same time. People with preeclampsia often have persistent high blood pressure. The condition can also affect organs in the body, like the liver and kidneys and the baby. Severe preeclampsia (eclampsia) can lead to dangerous seizures. 

What causes preeclampsia?

It is not known what causes preeclampsia but researchers think that the placenta plays a role. The placenta provides oxygen and nutrients to your growing baby. It also removes waste products from your baby’s blood.

Here’s what experts think might happen:

• Placental development: Early in pregnancy, the blood vessels that develop into the placenta might not form properly. These abnormal blood vessels could limit blood flow between you and your baby, leading to high blood pressure and other problems.
• Immune system response: Some researchers believe preeclampsia could be linked to the body’s immune response. Your body might react to the placenta like a foreign object, causing swelling (inflammation) and other issues.
• Genetics: A genetic link may exist, as preeclampsia sometimes runs in families.

While the exact cause of preeclampsia is unknown, these factors may contribute to its development.

Who is at risk?

Anyone who is pregnant can develop preeclampsia, but some people are at higher risk. Here are a few risk factors:

• First-time pregnancy: Preeclampsia is more common in first pregnancies.
• Previous preeclampsia: If you have had it before, you may be at risk for it again.
• Family history: If another family member had preeclampsia, it can increase your risk.
• Age: Those under 20 or over 35 are at higher risk.
• Multiple pregnancies: Carrying more than one baby (like twins) increases risk.
• Underlying health conditions: Diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune conditions or kidney disease can raise the chances. 
• Weight: Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of preeclampsia. 

What are the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia?

While some of these signs and symptoms can be normal side effects of pregnancy, they could be a sign of something more serious. Here are signs to watch for:

• High blood pressure (anything above 140/90 mm Hg is abnormal)
• Swelling in the face, hands and ankles (edema)
• Chronic and unusual headaches
• Blurry vision, seeing dark spots or light sensitivity
• Sudden weight gain of more than five pounds (two kilograms) in a week
• Shortness of breath (trouble breathing)
• Protein in your pee
• Fluid in your lungs

Be aware of how you feel during your pregnancy. Contact your health care provider immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.

Call 911 if you or a loved one experiences a seizure or loses consciousness (passes out). 

What are the complications of preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia affects blood flow to your organs, which can lead to severe complications if untreated. The condition primarily affects the liver, kidneys and brain. In severe cases, it can cause:

• Seizures (eclampsia): A serious complication that can be life-threatening.
• HELLP syndrome: A severe form of preeclampsia that stands for Hemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells), Elevated Liver enzymes and Low Platelet count. HELLP syndrome can cause liver damage and bleeding. HELLP can be life-threatening for both you and your baby.
• Liver damage: Preeclampsia can cause problems with liver function.
• Death: In rare and severe cases, preeclampsia can lead to death.

The most common complications for the baby are:

• Placental abruption: This is when the placenta separates from the uterus, which can be dangerous for both you and the baby.
• Premature birth: Baby is born before 37 weeks.
• Stillbirth: Death of the baby after the 20th week of pregnancy, before the baby can be delivered. 
• Low birth weight: The baby is born smaller than normal.

How is preeclampsia diagnosed?

Preeclampsia is usually found during regular prenatal visits, which is one reason to go to all your appointments. 

Tests are done at each prenatal visit to check for preeclampsia, including these tests:

• Blood pressure readings.
• Urine tests to check for protein in the urine (a sign of kidney damage).
• Weight measurement to check for rapid weight gain.
• Blood tests to check for problems like HELLP syndrome.

If preeclampsia is suspected, you might need additional testing and monitoring. This could include tests to examine blood flow to the placenta and ultrasounds to check the baby’s growth.

How is preeclampsia treated?

The best treatment for preeclampsia is delivery. However, this is not always possible, especially if your baby is too young. If your provider recommends waiting, you might need:

• Medication to lower your blood pressure and prevent seizures.
• Regular blood pressure checks at home.
• Bed rest to reduce stress and improve blood flow to the baby.
• Frequent check-ups with your provider.
• Keeping track of your baby’s movements (kicks, flutters or rolls).
• Hospitalization with bed rest if your case is severe. This helps prolong the pregnancy as long as possible, allowing your baby to grow and develop.

Sometimes, a baby must be delivered early to protect your health or the baby's health. If this happens, your baby will get special care for premature babies. 

What is care like after birth?

Even after delivery, preeclampsia can still be a concern. Your blood pressure may remain high for a few weeks. Your health care provider will monitor you closely to ensure your blood pressure returns to normal and there are no lasting problems. If you have HELLP syndrome, you may need additional care.

It’s important to watch for symptoms like headaches, swelling or vision changes, as these could be signs of postpartum preeclampsia. Make sure to rest, eat well and take care of yourself as you adjust to life with your new baby. 

Preeclampsia is a serious condition, but with proper care most people go on to have healthy pregnancies. 

Tips to prevent preeclampsia

While you can’t always prevent preeclampsia, there are steps you can take to lower your risk:

• Attend all prenatal appointments.
• Know your risk factors.
• Eat a balanced diet.
• Stay active with light exercise, as recommended by your provider.
• Manage stress.

Learn more tips for a happy, healthy pregnancy. 

Getting care

At Banner Health, we provide expert care for managing preeclampsia to protect you and your baby. Our team of specialists is experienced in treating high-risk pregnancies and offers personalized care to monitor your condition closely.

• Expert care: Our maternal fetal specialists are trained to handle complex pregnancies.
• Advanced facilities: With access to leading technology and NICUs, we ensure the best care for you and your baby.
• Comprehensive support: We guide you through every step, from diagnosis to postpartum care.