what Is PReeclampsia?

Preeclampsia has been documented throughout history. Researchers are developing more ways to detect and delay they symptoms everyday. It can occur after 20 weeks of pregnancy and characterized by high blood pressure, protein in the urine and extreme swelling, severe headache, and right upper stomach pain, and nausea that persists in the second trimester, but these are the result of a cascade of compensating mechanisms in the body from poor implantation of the placenta. Left untreated can lead to seizure, stroke and death. HELLP syndrome is another complication of preeclampsia. When the disease progresses it is called Eclampsia.

Who is at risk?

Preeclampsia can happen in any pregnancy! But you are at greater risk if you are

African American (due to exposure to historical inequalities and systemic racism)

Age >35

History of chronic high blood pressure

Kidney disease

BMI>30

First pregnancy

Having multiples

Family history or previous pregnancy with preeclampsia

IVF

Autoimmune disease

P. U. S. H. is an easy way to remember the symptoms

‍Persistent Headache and/or Right upper stomach pain

Unusual rapid swelling especially in eyes and hands and/or weight gain >5lbs in a week

Sight Changes (seeing spots, blurred, double vision)

High Blood Pressure

If you are pregnant or 6 weeks postpartum

and having these symptoms Call and Go into your provider to be evaluated.

*This site is for informational/educational purposes ONLY and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It doesn’t replace the guidance and care of a licensed provider. Reading this website does not create a provider-patient relationship. Please seek the advice and care of a trained physician if you are having symptoms or an emergency.