Preeclampsia – Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
Checking for Raised Blood Pressure
Doctors measure blood pressure during pregnancy appointments to spot preeclampsia.
Blood pressure readings show two numbers:
| Measurement | What it Shows |
|---|---|
| Systolic (Top Number) | Pressure when the heart beats |
| Diastolic (Bottom Number) | Pressure when the heart relaxes |
High blood pressure during pregnancy means systolic is 140 mm Hg or greater or diastolic is 90 mm Hg or higher. If the first check is high, doctors often repeat the reading after four hours to confirm it stays elevated.
High readings may come with other issues such as headaches that do not go away or new vision problems. Both are warning signs that need close review.
More Tests to Confirm Diagnosis
When doctors find high blood pressure, they order several tests to look for other signs of preeclampsia and check the mother and babyโs health:
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Blood Work: These tests check the health of the liver and kidneys.
Labs also count platelets, which help the blood clot.
Problems like low platelets or higher liver enzymes can show that organs are not working as they should.
Urine Checks: Protein in the urine (proteinuria) can mean the kidneys are not filtering well. This is another marker for preeclampsia.
Fetal Imaging: Growth scans, like ultrasound, help doctors see if the baby is growing as expected. They also show the amount of amniotic fluid around the baby.
Nonstress Rest or Biophysical Profile: These tests check the baby’s heart rate, muscle tone, movement, and breathing activity. A nonstress test follows how the heart rate changes when the baby moves.
A biophysical profile uses ultrasound to gather several measures in one test.
Doctors use these results to diagnose preeclampsia, severe preeclampsia, or related problems such as HELLP syndrome or eclampsia if seizures develop.
Early diagnosis helps guide next steps and lowers risks for both mother and baby.
Treatment
Management of Serious Preeclampsia
Doctors manage severe preeclampsia in the hospital to watch both the patient and the baby closely. They track blood pressure, urine output, and warning signs regularly.
Treatment may include:
- Antihypertensive medicines to lower blood pressure.
- Magnesium sulfate to stop seizures.
- Corticosteroids to help the baby’s lungs grow if an early birth is possible.
Some patients may need extra fluids or oxygen if their condition gets worse.
Birth Planning
Delivering the baby is often the safest option for preeclampsia.
Timing and method of birth depend on how serious the condition is and how far along the pregnancy is.
Doctors may recommend delivery at 37 weeks for mild cases.
Serious cases may need the baby to be delivered earlier.
Table: Birth Choices
| Type of Delivery | When Used |
|---|---|
| Vaginal delivery | Often chosen if both mother and baby are stable and labor is progressing safely. |
| Cesarean delivery | Chosen when a quick or controlled birth is safer for mother and/or baby. |
The healthcare team decides on the type of delivery by looking at the motherโs and babyโs health.
Care After the Birth
Doctors keep watching for high blood pressure and signs of preeclampsia after delivery.
Patients get instructions about what to watch for, like:
- Severe headaches
- Changes in vision
- Intense stomach pain
- Nausea or vomiting
Doctors usually schedule follow-up visits and recommend home blood pressure checks.
Additional Details and Support
Doctors may suggest management options like:
- Low-dose aspirin (for some high-risk pregnancies)
- Calcium supplements if there is a deficiency
Some research mentions antioxidant therapy, but its benefits are not proven.
Ways to Manage and Find Support
Dealing with a serious pregnancy problem can bring stress and worry.
It helps to stay informed about preeclampsia and know what steps to take.
Talking to healthcare providers and asking questions gives clarity.
Helpful Tips:
Learn about preeclampsia to understand what is happening.
Keep track of symptoms and know when to call for help.
Attend all checkups and follow medical advice.
Getting Ready for Your Prenatal Consultation
Anyone who is pregnant should prepare ahead for each visit, especially when the provider is watching for possible preeclampsia.
The provider will likely ask about health history, the current pregnancy, and any new symptoms since the last appointment.
Keeping a simple health journal at home helps track changes.
Key Questions to Expect and Ask
- Have there been signs like swelling, headaches, or changes in vision?
- When did any symptoms start?
- Are there things that make the symptoms better or worse?
- Has there been a change in medications, vitamins, or supplements?
- Was there a previous pregnancy with complications such as preeclampsia?
Being ready with answers helps the appointment go smoothly and keeps the focus on health for both the parent and the baby.
What to Bring to the Appointment
| Item | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Blood pressure log | Shows patterns over time. |
| List of medicines and vitamins | Gives the provider a clear list, avoiding mix-ups. |
| Notes about symptoms | Makes it easier to discuss when and what happened. |
| Questions written down | Ensures nothing important gets forgotten. |
During pregnancy, especially in the second trimester and beyond, regular check-ins help monitor blood pressure, urine, and sometimes the baby’s growth.
If you check blood pressure at home, bring those numbers.
The provider might also review how to check blood pressure correctly.
Topics for Discussion at the Visit
- How often to measure blood pressure at home.
- What blood pressure readings should cause concern.
- The best way to watch for signs of trouble in late pregnancy.
How the Provider Monitors the Pregnancy
Healthcare teams look for signs of preeclampsia to protect both the person and the fetus.
Common monitoring steps include:
Measuring blood pressure at every visit.
Testing urine for protein.
Checking for swelling in the hands, face, or feet.
Asking about headaches, vision changes, and right-side belly pain.
Keeping track of the baby’s kicks or movements.
Routine prenatal care checks fetal growth to ensure the baby is developing well.
The provider may use an ultrasound or other tests if there are signs the baby is not growing as expected.
In some cases, extra tests check the baby’s well-being and the amount of fluid around the baby.
Questions to Consider Asking
- What is the next step if blood pressure goes up?
- How will the baby’s health be checked going forward?
- How will it be decided when to deliver the baby?
- What could happen if the pregnancy continues longer or ends earlier?
- What care might the baby need if born early?
Preparing and bringing all needed information helps each prenatal visit support the health of both parent and child. Staying on top of appointments and following advice from the care team supports a healthy pregnancy and helps catch issues early.
Further Details
Preeclampsia can affect pregnant women, especially those with certain health risks.
It can cause high blood pressure and harm organs like the kidneys and liver.
Some risk factors include diabetes, chronic hypertension, kidney disease, obesity, and autoimmune conditions.
Women with a history of vascular disease are also at higher risk.
Common symptoms and signs include:
- Swelling (edema)
- Severe headaches
- Vision changes (like blurred vision or seeing spots)
- Upper abdominal pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden weight gain
- Confusion
Some pregnant women notice swelling in their hands, face, or legs.
Headaches that won’t go away with medication, along with severe pain in the upper belly, may signal a problem.
Possible complications for the mother and baby include:
| Complication | Description |
|---|---|
| Stroke | Caused by high blood pressure |
| Placental abruption | The placenta separates from the uterus early |
| Organ damage | Kidneys, liver, or brain may be affected |
| Fluid in the lungs | Can cause difficulty breathing |
| Fetal growth restriction | Baby grows slower than expected |
| Oligohydramnios | Low amniotic fluid around the baby |
| Low birth weight | Baby may weigh less than normal at birth |
| Seizures | Also called eclampsia |
Other signs, such as confusion or shortness of breath, may suggest more serious effects. If any of these symptoms appear, seek medical help quickly.
