Pregnancy can be an exciting time, but it can also be a time of health risks for both the mom-to-be and the developing baby. Preeclampsia is a relatively uncommon pregnancy complication that causes a significant increase in blood pressure and raises the risk for kidney damage.
Roughly 7% of pregnant women develop preeclampsia, but because the symptoms can be subtle, you may not know you have the condition until your doctor diagnoses it. Catching preeclampsia as early as possible is one more reason why regular prenatal exams are so important for you and your baby.
As a leading obstetrician in Newburgh, Indiana, Paul W. Morrison, M.D., offers comprehensive care for moms with high-risk pregnancies, including moms diagnosed with preeclampsia. As part of High Blood Pressure Education Month, Dr. Morrison and his team are devoting this post to a brief overview of preeclampsia and its treatment, so you can understand your risks and get the screening and care you need to stay healthy.
Preeclampsia is a condition in which pregnant women have high blood pressure. The condition can also cause affected women to have high levels of protein in their urine, which is a sign of kidney dysfunction.
Expectant moms with preeclampsia have increased risks for heart attack, stroke, organ damage, preterm labor, and even death. In some women, preeclampsia progresses to a more serious stage called eclampsia, which is characterized by coma and seizures.
When it comes to the developing baby, the condition can reduce the levels of oxygen and nutrients, increase the risk for stillbirth, and increase the risk for long-term health issues.
Although researchers aren’t sure what causes preeclampsia, they believe it may begin in the placenta. Autoimmune disorders, circulation issues, past history of preeclampsia, older age, and genetic predisposition may all play a role.
If you’ve been diagnosed with preeclampsia, Dr. Morrison will develop a treatment plan based on your specific needs, including how far along you are in your pregnancy and the severity of the condition and its symptoms.
Women with preeclampsia need to be seen more frequently, so they and their developing baby can be monitored. Dr. Morrison may prescribe medication to help manage your blood pressure and reduce your risk for complications. He may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as bedrest, to help reduce your risk for preterm labor or stillbirth.
For women close to 37 weeks gestation, Dr. Morrison may recommend early delivery. Under 37 weeks gestation, treatment sometimes focuses on hastening lung maturation in the baby to prepare for early delivery, especially if preeclampsia symptoms are severe. Overall, the goals are to prolong the pregnancy as long as possible to allow the baby to mature while also minimizing the risks for the mom and baby.
Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication that requires early and ongoing management to keep both mom and baby healthy all the way through labor and delivery. To learn more about preeclampsia treatment, call 812-490-5200 or book an appointment online with the practice of Paul W. Morrison, M.D., today.
