The Facts About Pregnancy & Preeclampsia
The Facts About Pregnancy & Preeclampsia
Before getting pregnant, it’s essential to talk to your healthcare provider about your personal and family medical history to ensure a safer pregnancy. Preeclampsia is an often-misunderstood condition affecting many women during their first pregnancies. However, preeclampsia can affect any woman and any pregnancy, sometimes with life-threatening complications to both the mother-to-be and their baby. Sponsored by the Preeclampsia Foundation, May is Preeclampsia Awareness Month. Below, Pegalis Law Group, LLC presents the facts you should know about pregnancy and preeclampsia for your protection.
What Is Preeclampsia? How Common Is This Condition?
Preeclampsia is a serious condition typically occurring after the 20th week of pregnancy or post-partum after delivery. Preeclampsia causes high blood pressure (hypertension) and abnormal functioning of vital organs, including the kidneys and liver. High blood pressure also puts additional stress on the heart. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy disorder affecting up to 10% of pregnancies in the United States. Many women are unprepared for preeclampsia until it happens, as those expecting their first child are usually at a greater risk. Most women who experience preeclampsia during pregnancy still deliver healthy babies. However, if left untreated, preeclampsia can be life-threatening, causing kidney, liver, and brain damage, blood clotting, eclampsia (seizures), strokes, preterm births, and more.
Who’s Most at Risk for Preeclampsia?
As stated, women expecting their first child may be at a greater risk for preeclampsia during pregnancy. Other risk factors include:
- 10+ years since the last pregnancy
- Family or personal history of preeclampsia or gestational hypertension
- Pregnant women younger than 20
- Pregnant women older than 40
- Pregnant women expecting multiple babies
- Pregnant women with diabetes, kidney disease, or an autoimmune disease
- Pregnant women with a BMI of 30+
- Pregnant women of African-American descent
What Are Common Preeclampsia Symptoms?
Early detection and careful monitoring during prenatal checkups can minimize the risks associated with preeclampsia. Preeclampsia may be diagnosed during an ultrasound or a nonstress test. Talk to your doctor if you notice any of these common symptoms of preeclampsia:
- High blood pressure
- Protein in the urine
- Excessive water retention
- Swelling in legs, hands, or face
- Vision changes or blurriness
- Sudden weight gain (5+ pounds in a week)
- Persistent headaches
- Nausea, vomiting, or dizziness after mid-pregnancy
- Difficulty breathing
- Pain in the upper right abdomen or shoulder
- Seizures (eclampsia)
Monitoring & Treating Preeclampsia for a Healthy Pregnancy
To reduce your risk of preeclampsia, be sure to attend all prenatal care appointments. Monitor your blood pressure and weight at home, and contact your doctor if either begins to spike unexpectedly. Exercising, eating the right foods, maintaining a healthy weight, and understanding your blood pressure numbers are all essential during pregnancy. If you are diagnosed with preeclampsia, your doctor may have you come in for weekly checkups and take daily blood pressure readings at home between visits. In some circumstances, you may need to be hospitalized for closer monitoring. An early delivery may also be recommended if you’re at least 37 weeks pregnant and your condition is considered stable.
Focused on Healthcare-Related Issues for 50+ Years
As a New York-based personal injury and medical malpractice law firm for 50+ years, Pegalis Law Group, LLC is focused on spreading public awareness about various healthcare-related issues, including preeclampsia. Please visit our website and follow us on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn for more tips on being proactive about your family’s healthcare this year.