What Is Preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is a serious complication that can develop during pregnancy. It can lead to health problems like high blood pressure and kidney damage, which causes high levels of protein in the urine. It can also damage other organs. While most women with preeclampsia develop the condition after their 20th week of pregnancy, in some cases, it can begin after delivery, in a condition called postpartum preeclampsia.
It’s thought that preeclampsia develops when the blood vessels connecting to the placenta don't grow or function properly. This then leads to problems with the mother’s blood pressure and circulation.
If preeclampsia isn’t treated, it can cause serious, potentially fatal complications for both the mother and the baby. However, with monitoring and treatment, most women are able to deliver safely.
It’s not yet understood why some women develop preeclampsia, however, there are some known health conditions linked to higher risk. These include:
- Previous preeclampsia
- Being pregnant with multiples
- Preexisting hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Preexisting type 1 or type 2 diabetes
- Autoimmune disorders
- Kidney disease
- Other factors that may increase risk include:
- Being overweight
- Having a family history of preeclampsia
- Being pregnant over the age of 35
- First pregnancy with the father
- More than 10 years since last pregnancy
When to Seek a Specialist
Any case of preeclampsia is serious and requires specialized care and monitoring.
Preeclampsia is typically diagnosed through blood pressure screening or a urine test during routine prenatal health care visits. Many women have no noticeable symptoms, but if you notice severe symptoms, including intense headaches, vision problems, severe abdominal pain, or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.
Why Temple Health for Preeclampsia
Temple’s experienced OB-GYN team provides high-risk obstetric services for women with preeclampsia and other pregnancy complications. We have more than two dozen highly qualified ob-gyn doctors on staff, including maternal-fetal medicine specialists who have special expertise in caring for high-risk pregnancies.
Temple has been recognized as one of the nation’s top maternity hospitals in Newsweek’s annual ranking, and it has also been awarded five stars for vaginal delivery by Healthgrades, a distinction that places the organization in the top tier of hospitals for Ob-GYN care nationwide.
Ready for an Appointment?
If you're experiencing signs or symptoms of preeclampsia, schedule an appointment or call 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536) today.
Learn more about our doctors and care team who diagnose and treat preeclampsia.