Pre-Eclampsia Specialist

What is preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia describes a serious pregnancy complication marked by high blood pressure and possible damage to organ systems, usually your liver and kidneys. If not treated, preeclampsia can be fatal.

Women with no history of high blood pressure can develop preeclampsia, though a history of high blood pressure increases your risk of developing the condition.

Who is at risk of developing pre-eclampsia?

Preeclampsia most often affects pregnant women who are in their teens or older than 40. It also is more likely to occur when you’re pregnant with your first child.

Additional risk factors for preeclampsia are:

• A history of obesity
• Certain maternal conditions, like diabetes
• A family member having had the condition
• Pregnancy with multiples

Exactly who and why some people develop preeclampsia isn’t fully understood. With quality prenatal care, your provider can catch the condition in its earliest stages.

What signs suggest I have preeclampsia?

An early indication of preeclampsia is swelling in the feet and ankles. Excessive protein in the urine can also indicate preeclampsia. The providers at Nile Women’s Health Care perform regular urine screenings at your prenatal visits to detect protein.

Additional signs of preeclampsia include:

• Abdominal pain
• Excessive vomiting and nausea
• Severe headache
• Change in reflexes
• Dizziness
• Reduced urine output, or none at all
• Rapid weight gain due to an increase in bodily fluid
• Vision changes

If you experience any of these problems during your pregnancy, contact Nile Women’s Health Care immediately.

What is postpartum preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia can also occur in women after they’ve given birth. Although rare, the condition usually shows up within 48 hours after delivery but may develop up to six weeks after. 

Immediate treatment for postpartum preeclampsia is critical as it can result in stroke, seizures, and other complications.

How do doctors treat preeclampsia?

If you have a mild case of preeclampsia, the doctors at Nile Women’s Health Care usually recommend close monitoring and may have you hospitalized. 

In severe cases of preeclampsia, the doctors usually advise hospital admission. While there, you receive medicines that encourage faster development of your baby’s lungs and medications to control your blood pressure.

The best treatment for preeclampsia is the immediate delivery of the baby. The doctors may recommend women who have preeclampsia and are at least 37 weeks pregnant go through an induced delivery.

In severe cases, you may need to deliver your baby prematurely. Although there’s always a risk with premature delivery, babies of mothers with severe preeclampsia do better when delivered early rather than staying in the womb. 

If you are at risk of preeclampsia or show signs of the condition, contact Nile Women’s Health Care. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today.