Preeclampsia Facts

What is preeclampsia, and who is at risk?

By Richard Schwarz, MD
What is preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia (also called toxemia or pregnancy-induced hypertension) is high blood pressure
during pregnancy. Because high blood pressure constricts the vessels in the uterus that supply the
fetus with oxygen and nutrients, the baby's growth may be slowed. Preeclampsia also increases
the risk of placental abruption, in which the placenta separates from the uterine wall before
delivery.
How common is preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia affects about 5 percent of first-time mothers and up to 2 percent of women having
a second baby. Teenagers and women over age 35 are at highest risk.
In addition to high blood pressure, symptoms include protein in the urine, swelling (edema) of
the face and hands, and sudden weight gain (more than four pounds in a week). Other telltale
signs of preeclampsia include blurred vision, severe headaches, dizziness, and intense stomach
pain.
Mild preeclampsia may cause only subtle symptoms, such as minor swelling of your face and
hands, making it hard to know if something is wrong.
What causes preeclampsia?
No one knows what causes preeclampsia. However, a British study suggested that taking
vitamins C and E throughout the second half of pregnancy may help prevent it. Other studies
propose that taking a multivitamin containing the B-vitamin folic acid may also help reduce the
risk of preeclampsia.
How is preeclampsia treated?
Treatment for preeclampsia depends on the severity of your case and how far along you are in
your pregnancy. If you have mild preeclampsia near your due date, and your cervix has begun to
thin and dilate, your doctor will probably want to induce labor. This would prevent any
complications that could develop if the preeclampsia were to worsen during your pregnancy. If
your cervix isn't ready for induction, the doctor can monitor you and your baby closely until the
time is right or labor begins on its own. Women who develop mild preeclampsia near their due
date can expect to have a healthy baby.
If you develop preeclampsia prior to your 37th week, your doctor will probably recommend bed
rest, and sometimes blood pressure medication, until your blood pressure stabilizes or you give

birth. Occasionally, a woman's blood pressure continues to rise despite treatment, and labor must
be induced to prevent health problems for mother and baby.

Checklist: Signs and Symptoms of

Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia, or pregnancy-induced hypertension, occurs in five to 10 percent of pregnancies,
and is diagnosed after the 20th week of pregnancy. Here are some warning signs.
By Suelain Moy
___ Sudden excessive weight gain, related to water retention.
___ Blood pressure rises to 140/90 or more.
___ Swollen face and hands.
___ Swelling in the ankles that does not go down after 12 hours of rest.
___ Blurry vision.
___ Severe headaches.
___ Protein in the urine (determined by your doctor).
Originally published on AmericanBaby.com, September 2005.
All content here, including advice from doctors and other health professionals, should be
considered as opinion only. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with
any questions or issues you may have regarding your won health or the health of others.