Diagnosing & Treating Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a complication that occurs during pregnancy, and is marked by hypertension (high blood pressure) and symptoms of damage to other organs, such as the kidneys. This condition generally begins in the third trimester. If not treated properly, preeclampsia can result in severe, and sometimes fatal, complications for both mother and child.

Common Preeclampsia Symptoms

In some cases, preeclampsia may occur without any warning signs or symptoms. The development of high blood pressure may occur very gradually, but in most cases, will happen quickly. Together with your doctor, you can monitor your blood pressure for signs of abnormalities.

Symptoms of preeclampsia may include:

• Severe headaches
• Signs of a kidney problem, such as excess protein in the urine
• Blurred vision, sensitivity to light and other vision problems
• Abdominal pain, typically under the ribs on the right side
• Vomiting or nausea
• Increased liver function found in blood test
• Shortness of breath, resulting from fluid in the lungs
• Urinating less than normal

In addition, expecting mothers with preeclampsia may experience a sudden weight gain and edema (swelling) in the hands and face. However, because these symptoms also occur in many normal pregnancies, it’s best to meet with your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

Risk Factors for Preeclampsia

The main risk factors for developing a pregnancy complication like preeclampsia include:

• First pregnancy
• Women older than 40
• Being obese
• Having children less than two years apart or more than 10 years apart
• First pregnancy
• A personal or family history of preeclampsia
• Having twins, triplets or other multiples
• Certain conditions, such as chronic hypertension, type 1 or type 2 diabetes

The Latest Preeclampsia Treatment at Riverview Health

To diagnose preeclampsia, your physician may order certain tests, including a blood test, urine analysis, nonstress test and fetal ultrasound. Since the only cure for preeclampsia is delivery of the baby, physicians at Riverview Health will focus on minimizing your symptoms with medication and bed rest until it’s safe to deliver your baby.

If you or a loved one would like to learn more about how we treat preeclampsia in Noblesville, IN, request an appointment with an OB/GYN by calling 317.565.0535 or by completing an online appointment request form.