Blood Pressure: Preeclampsia How is preeclampsia handled during pregnancy?

What Is Preeclampsia????
Preeclampsia is a condition that typically starts after the 20th week of pregnancy and is related to increased blood pressure and protein in the mother's urine (as a result of kidney problems). Preeclampsia affects the placenta and it can affect the mother's kidney, liver and brain. When preeclampsia causes seizures the condition is known as eclampsia--the second leading cause of maternal death in the U.S. Preeclampsia is also a leading cause of fetal complications, which include low birth weight, premature birth, and stillbirth.

There is no proven way to prevent preeclampsia. Most women who develop signs of preeclampsia are closely monitored to lessen or avoid related problems. The only way to 'cure' preeclampsia is to deliver the baby.

How Common Are High Blood Pressure and Preeclampsia in Pregnancy?

High blood pressure problems occur in 6 percent to 8 percent of all pregnancies in the U.S., about 70 percent of which are first-time pregnancies. In 1998, more than 146,320 cases of preeclampsia alone were diagnosed.

Although the proportion of pregnancies with gestational hypertension and eclampsia has remained about the same in the U.S. over the past decade, the rate of preeclampsia has increased by nearly one-third. This increase is due in part to a rise in the numbers of older mothers and of multiple births, where preeclampsia occurs more frequently. For example, in 1998 birth rates among women ages 30 to 44 and the number of births to women ages 45 and older were at the highest levels in 3 decades, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Furthermore, between 1980 and 1998, rates of twin births increased about 50 percent overall and 1,000 percent among women ages 45 to 49; rates of triplet and other higher-order multiple births jumped more than 400 percent overall, and 1,000 percent among women in their 40s.

Who Is More Likely to Develop Preeclampsia?

• Women with chronic hypertension (high blood pressure before becoming pregnant).
• Women who developed high blood pressure or preeclampsia during a previous pregnancy, especially if these conditions occurred early in the pregnancy.
• Women who are obese prior to pregnancy.
• Pregnant women under the age of 20 or over the age of 40.
• Women who are pregnant with more than one baby.
• Women with diabetes, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or scleroderma.

How Is Preeclampsia Detected?

Unfortunately, there is no single test to predict or diagnose preeclampsia. Key signs are increased blood pressure and protein in the urine (proteinuria). Other symptoms that seem to occur with preeclampsia include persistent headaches, blurred vision, sensitivity to light and abdominal pain.

All of these sensations can be caused by other disorders and they can also occur in healthy pregnancies. Regular visits with your doctor help him or her to track your blood pressure and level of protein in your urine, to order and analyze blood tests that detect signs of preeclampsia and to monitor fetal development more closely.

Does Hypertension or Preeclampsia During Pregnancy Cause Long-Term Heart and Blood Vessel Problems?

The effects of high blood pressure during pregnancy vary depending on the disorder and other factors. According to the National High Blood Pressure Education Program (NHBPEP), preeclampsia does not in general increase a woman's risk for developing chronic hypertension or other heart-related problems. The NHBPEP also reports that in women with normal blood pressure who develop preeclampsia after the 20th week of their first pregnancy, short-term complications--including increased blood pressure--usually go away within about 6 weeks after delivery.

Some women, however, may be more likely to develop high blood pressure or other heart disease later in life. More research is needed to determine the long-term health effects of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy and to develop better methods for identifying, diagnosing and treating women at risk for these conditions.

Prevention

Despite initial enthusiasm for the use of calcium supplements and low-dose aspirin therapy, these agents appear to be ineffective in the prevention of high blood pressure.

Comments: Blood Pressure - Preeclampsia

Comments 1 to 24 of about 116.
1 2 3 4 5 Next

tk2 - 2 days ago.
I am 36 weeks and went to the Dr today and she is running tests for preeclampsia. My blood pressure has been fine but I have low blood pressure to begin with. Blessedmom2be- I had the same spots that I saw- almost like slivers of metal or something floating in the air. I would let your Dr know and just keep monitoring your BP.

blessedmom2b - 3 days ago.
Hi everyone... has anyone seen floating flashes of spots like light...almost like you just got flashed in the face with a camera, except the spots dance around a little. Only for like 5 seconds? I heard this was a symptom of preeclampsia or something?? This is only my second time having them and my hubby's an EMT so the first time I had them about 1.5 months ago I had him immediately check my blood pressure...but it was normal...not high at all. anyone know if there is a possibility this could be something else? I've also had a pain in my lower left right at the bottom of my belly today. Not sure if he's just sitting over there or not but it's uncomfortable. Not sure if this could also be related.

starby - 5 days ago.
I was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia at week 32...They monitored me in the hospital for 3 days checking vitals every four hours and I had to do the 24 hour urnine test...My bp got as high as 177/110...they sent me home for strict bedrest on Wednesday and I have to check in every other day for non stress tests and bloodwork and urine tests...I just made it to week 34 and they are hoping I can get to week 35...one more week of bedrest...yikes...its not easy but I know its best for baby and me so cross my fingers this week goes well :) My bp is staying in the high 140's/90's which isnt great but the baby seems happy as can be so we're tyring to hold out...

lin - 8 days ago.
I had pre-eclampsia as well. When I was 34 weeks pregnant i developed a kidney infection and was hospitalized for a week, while there I remember the nurses commenting that my blood pressure was amazing (low and stable). At 35+ weeks I went for a routine checkup and we were talking about induction dates due to the kidney problems... and she checked my BP and it was sky high. I was admitted then and there. I was put on meds to try to decrease it but they didnt work, then i was sent to ICU and put on intervenus (sp??) drugs which still didnt do much. I cant remember the numbers but I remember my doctor being very very concerned. Anyhow I was induced the next day, a month early. It didnt go down right away either, in fact it took probably a good month or more to get back to normal. Now 8 months later, I have had no issues with my BP, even on the pill (which can elevate BP). Hoping when we have our next baby i dont have the same problem, it was scary. Oh and the kidney infection....wasnt even an infection, turns out baby was positioned funny and putting so much pressure on it which made it dilate and appear infected. As soon as he was out, the pain stopped instantly!

kristins-blessed - 8 days ago.
My last doctors visit the nurse said out loud! Your blood pressure is High! It seems the further along I become the higher it elevates. The wierd thing is before becoming pregnant I had low to normal blood pressure! Could this become Preeclampsia?

MalloryHas2Babies - 14 days ago.
hey there everyone... I am currently in the Military... This is my forst pregnancy and I am having twins. I have not had very good care from the doctors here. I have had all of the symptoms of Pre- E for over a month...finally this week I have been showing up to labor and delivery just about everyday trying to make them pay attention. Yesterday I went in and they found my blood pressure was high on top of my persistent headache and rediculous swelling. They were all about wanting to deliver me then. Well me laying idown and resting while I waited for 3 hours brought down the BP and my blood work came back normal. They sent me on my way with the 24 hr urine test. Im worried that when I bring it back to the lab theyre going to sit on it or forget about it and they are ultimately going to harm me and my children. I should have already been on bedrest but the most I could get out of them was a 'reduction in working hours'. I don' know what else to do and I am so frustrated that my care has been so lacking. Any advice??

momma2memphis - 19 days ago.
nicole2216 -My doctor says its called White Coat Hypertension!! My BP is always great when Im not that the doctors office but when im at the doctors office its like 140+/80+ he said its not anything to worry about because its usually just stress or worry from bein in the doctors office

shola - 20 days ago.
hey mummies - i've been diagnosed with pre-eclampsia - my feet started sweeling two weeks ago when we drove to the coast for our babymoon but my BP reading shot up to 155/115 - have been admitted to hospital twice since - BP has been stabilised - i've been put on bedrest and maximum dosage of hy-po-tone - and we've got a BP monitor at home... 34 weeks now so hoping my BP stays stable(well, it is still in the 140's/high 90's but doc is happy with that). everyone, take care of urselves and dont be wary of going into the hosptial too often if u are worried - rather be safe than sorry becos with pre-e something can happen to u and baba within hours. Good luck everyone and take it easy!

queenbee - 24 days ago.
I just got put on bedrest for the next 2 weeks for high blood pressure (149/94), and I am only 26 weeks. I have never had it before, so it was brought on by the pregnancy. It really blows! Besides my feet,legs swelling, my hands sometimes do also. The meds they have me trying makes me feel loopy and tired all the time, oh and one of the side effects is more swelling-great. I had to do a 24 hr urine test- that was fun peeing everytime in a cup for all of Sunday. Pretty much stuck to the house for the entire day, and then having to chug a big orange jug of pee to work yesterday, and then to the lab. I am so glad I work alone on Mondays, so no one had to see my pee in the fridge. Oh the joys of pregnancy! So far though no protein in my urine, but I go back on Friday to see my dr about the 24 hr results, so we'll see. Hopefully I can go back to work soon. With the meds at least my bp is now lower to 119/86.

nicole2216 - 24 days ago.
PLEASE, some help? I a m a new time mom and my BP has consistantly stayed at around 135/79 my whole pregnancy.. but for some reason as soon as i go into the doctors it jumps to about 145/90+ but when i monitor it at home the levels definitely drop. I saw a nurse practitioner today that i have never seen before. and she said that she was extremely scared.. Im only 22 weeks.someone pelase help..

Holly28 - 25 days ago.
I think I may have preeclampsia...I see the dr on Thursday about it.. I am wondering what symptoms anyone else who has it has had...

1chance2live - 25 days ago.
My ob/gyn wanted me to do one of those 24 hour urine samples but I kept forgetting and she wanted it done before my apt. on thursday...my bad =) I have had high blood pressure since age 18 and I am now 21. I am not on any medication as of yet they always make me really sick so I am crossing my fingers that I don't get HBP during this pregnancy. She wants me to take baby aspirin everyday but I only take it once and awhile...but lately I have been getting really bad nose bleeds and headaches so I hope nothing is going on...I am going to call her tomorrow if it continues. I hope all is well with you ladies!!!

cynthetamine - 25 days ago.
anyone been told they might have pre eclampsia? I was told today that they wanted to do some blood tests on me because every visit my blood pressure has been high. I'm kinda freaking out. I don't know what i'm going to do if they put me on bed rest! and i can't believe i have to wait a week and a half to find out the results!!! Preeclampsia is some pretty serious stuff! I have also had pretty blurry vision and swelling in my hands and feet when i walk, and they turn really red and hot too. and i'm always short on breath, even when i talk. So just wondering if anyone else is going through this?

Milf2b - 30 days ago.
Does anyone know if your Doc will usually schedual a c-section if you have high bloodpressure? It would just seem to make sence because I would think that your bp would get even higher during labor. If anyone knows, can you respond on my page, thank you!

spammyann - 32 days ago.
Hi. I just wanted to share my stories. I've been diagnosed 2 times (both pregnancies) with Preeclampsia...so the myth that it only happens to 'first time mothers...' just a myth. The first time was 2 years ago when I had my first son. June 24, 2006...I was 36 weeks going for routine visit...when my proteins were +4 and my bp was 160/100...full blow SEVERE Preeclampsia. For 2 months prior to that I was a swollen blimp. I went from 104lbs to 154lbs @ delivery 4 WEEKS early. The week before I had the baby I had been having a smal headache on my left temple..I thought it was wisdom teeth and I had been grinding my teeth. I also had distorted vision one night but thought I was 'just tired'. The day I went in for my visit I had this 'dark spot' in the middle of my left eye vision. Like when u look @ a light bulb or the sun and it gives you a dark spot for a while. Anyway...I was admitted RIGHT AWAY my dr. quote was 'do not pass go and collect 200 dolllars...go straight to the hospital'. I was started on IV Magneisum Sulfate (fun stuff). 3:30pm. Was given pitocin @ 4pm. Had my water broke, epidural right away...because anypain made my BP higher...by then it was peaking in the 180's/111+. Delivered Vaginally @ 1:01am the next morning....9 hours of labor...3 pushes baby was out. Healthly 5lb6oz Boy. I was on BP medications for a week after delivery...had been good ever since...until I got pregnant again last year. *(*(the second story)*)* The second time was just 3 weeks ago...When I had my 2nd son. I had been fighting bouts of preterm labor since 29 weeks.Contracting ALL DAY every day any where from 2mins apart to 10 minutes apart for WEEEEEEEEKS!!! With Terbutaline shots, pills, procardia pills, steroid shots, bedrest, Vag. U/S, NSTS etcetc...I think I visited L & D 12 times from January until Delivery March 17th @ 38 weeks. 2 Weeks prior to delivery I had been getting BP readings of 140/90 so I was on close watch by my OBGYN. 2 times a week NSTs and Visits, 24 Hour urine collection. I told him about the 'PAIN' in my right lowr rib...it was severe I would cry @ night...he said 'heart burn'...well I knew it wasnt so I monitored my BP everyday @ home...then Monday the 17th of March the pain was severe with each contraction So I decided to go to L & D again...They took my BP it was high...not 'VERY' high...but they did Blood tests...my 'uric acid'' was off the charts high. But I didnt have protein in urine...none the less they said you're having baby today...I was excited...FINALLY!!!! After contracting for the past 10 weeks I could get him out. I was started on Mag. Sulfate at like 4pm? Given pitocin at 6pm? Water Broke @ 8pm? Had baby at 10:50pm!!! He was healthy 7lb 6oz St. Patricks Day Boy.

bronwentrask - 54 days ago.
FOR EVERYONE WITH SWELLING//// yesterday i was so dizzy and swelled up i said i need to do something about this... first off let me tell you ive gained over 50 lbs so far... yesterday i drank 12 glasses of water and cut all the juices out of my diet... then i cut all the unrefined sugars out... then i laid down with my feet up for a couple of hours here and there... and i walked around a little bit in between... guess what now?... i am no longer dizzy and i lost 9 lbs of FLUID... my legs, face and hands are now once again recognizable... please anyone going thru this try it as i feel 100 percent better WOW

*kaykay* - 64 days ago.
My bp is still high (152/104) after a week of taking bp meds. My OB wasn't too concered but I have to double up on the meds and go to the hospital right away if I get a headache. I have a non-stress test done and not one contraction! 37 weeks and this baby just does not want to come out!! hehe

riknlee - 64 days ago.
hi everyone just wanted to share my pre eclampsia story with you. For my first preg. i was very swollern. I could not recognise my ankles and had to get my rings cut off. Got to 39 weeks, had a check up and they found protein and high blood pressure. I stayed for a while, they tested again, and then again later with no change. They admitted me then and there and tried to bring my blood pressure down by giving me a drip of some sort of magnesium. This was Friday night. I felt like a truck had hit me. they decided they would try to bring the labour on naturally so gave me some gel on the cervix and but nothing happened. waited another 8 hours, nothing happened again, so they decided they would bring on labour with the drip. I had to have an epidural as I wasnt allowed to feel any pain, of course had to have a urinary catheter as i couldnt get up out of bed. i did not feel one labour pain. I think i was in labour for 13 hours and during this time a wire was inserted into the vein they usually take blood from and threaded up to my heart and connected to a computer to measure blood flow from the heart. I had a monitor attached to the baby's head and a strap around my tummy to measure the contractions. They had to use forceps to turn her over and pull her out, so they had to cut me and later stitch me up. the baby was fine and i had to stay in hosp for 5 days afterwards during which time nurses were coming to me and telling me how lucky i was which i guess i never really knew the full extent of. after she was born my blood pressure went back to normal. A year later i was preg again and this time they recommended half an aspirin a day. i did not get pre eclampsia again, or for my third baby. although i was grateful for the medical attention i got and to be alive, I felt robbed of my birth experience as we had planned a natural birth in the birthing room. It didnt matter so much I guess but it was such an experience, combined with the emotions of having a new baby, I cried a lot and needed to write my feelings as i was overwhelmed with emotion. i was even getting the paper leaflet that comes under your food on a tray to write how i felt. it has been 13 years since then and i still have no blood pressure issues. I didnt feel any different at all with the high blood pressure and protein, so it is quite important to go for all those checks esp in the last month. good luck to everyone and i hope no one has to go through it

cjmc2577 - 64 days ago.
i have gone tothe hospital more then once now and gone to the doctor very time my blood pressure was high now i have to check it everyday now. today i sat around for a while before i tested it and it is still 150/90. anyone know what i can do?

linaka68 - 65 days ago.
120/70 is considered 'normal' blood pressure just like 98.7 is considered normal body temperature. BUT everyone is different. That is why your doctor takes your blood pressure when you are healthy so that they know what is normal for you. You can have increased or basicly high blood pressure for you and still have numbers that are the recognized normal. Your doctor should be looking at an increased in YOUR numbers. Does that make sense?

jaxwaqu - 65 days ago.
can you have preeclampsia with out having high blood pressure? I am 23 weeks, swell like nobodys business, and just had to do a 24 hour urine collection. I am waiting for the results. My blood pressure is low to normal though.

*kaykay* - 70 days ago.
My OB finallyyyyyyyy paid attention to my BP today, FINALLY. I can't remember the top number but the bottom number was 104 so now I have to take meds twice a day. He acutally checked my swelling AND told me if I get sick what to do! I am shocked!!!!

taytay - 70 days ago.
Hi i am scared i am 25 weeks pregnant and i have very high blood pressure and i was tested for protein in my urine my doctor says i am spilling alot of protein. I have had a level 2 ultrasound and now they are telling me that because of all this my baby is not getting enough blood flow and that they will have to deliver him soon ...he is only 1lb 2oz right now and i am scared. The doctor says my kidneys are not working properly. i have been having pain where my kidneys are in my back .... I just want to cry ... Has anyone had a realy premature baby like 27 weeks gestation ??? please any info would be welcomed.

DonnaD - 72 days ago.
Kassie08 I had the steroid shots. I had high blood preasure and placental abruption the shot had no side affects for me. My baby was born at 33 weeks 4 pounder. He had no problems breathing it want hurt to get them you get 2 of them exactly 24 hours apart the only shot that I did not like is the one they give you to stop labor. Good luck to you and your baby. It was a hard time for me and my baby.

kassie08 - 73 days ago.
I spent y'day in the hospital L&D b/c my BP was very high and would not go down (I had pre-eclampsia w/ my first pregnancy too), so my dr. sent me over to be monitored. I was induced at 36 weeks with my first (b/c of the pre-e), and I have a feeling I am heading in the same direction this time. My question for all of you is about the steroid shots doctors often give to help with maturation of the baby's lungs. They did not give me them with my first, but I am hearing a lot about it now. Have any of you had experience with these steroid shots, and if so what was your experience with them. Is it something that should be done, and are there any possible side effects?


1 2 3 4 5 Next


All forums   latest comments
Trying to conceive   latest comments
Pregnancy   latest comments
Birth   latest comments
Birth defects   latest comments
Babies   latest comments