PREGNANCY COMPLICATIONS

Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is the most common hypertensive disorder during pregnancy, affecting an estimated 5-8% of pregnant women annually in the United States. It occurs only during pregnancy and the postpartum period and can affect both the mother and the unborn baby.  The condition sometimes referred to as pregnancy induced hypertension or PIH, occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy and is defined by high blood pressure and excess protein in the urine.  Other symptoms of preeclampsia may include edema (swelling) of the feet, hands or face; sudden weight gain; visual changes (blurred or double vision); or right-sided upper abdominal pain. Treatment depends on how far along the pregnancy is and how severe the problem is.  The goal of treatment is to prevent the condition from becoming worse and causing other complications.  Treatments may include: bed rest, hospitalization, medications and fetal monitoring to check the health of the baby.  Proper prenatal care is essential to the diagnosis and management of preeclampsia.

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