WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Understanding the Risks of Preeclampsia

Pregnancy
Pregnancy follow-up
Understanding the Risks of Preeclampsia
What is Preeclampsia?
So, you've heard the word preeclampsia floating around and you're wondering what the deal is, right?
Well, you've come to the right place!
In the medical world, preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific syndrome that usually shows up after the 20th week of pregnancy.
It's like that uninvited party guest who shows up fashionably late and causes a bit of a stir.
But don't worry, we're here to break it down for you.
  • Blood Pressure: One key sign is a sudden increase in blood pressure.
  • Protein in Urine: You may also notice protein in your urine during your regular prenatal check-ups.
  • Organ Function: It can affect your kidney and liver function, which ain't cool, mama.
Knowledge is power, and knowing what to look for empowers you to be proactive about your health and the health of your tiny bun in the oven.
The Domino Effect: How Preeclampsia Impacts You and Your Baby
You might be thinking, "Okay, but what does this mean for me and my little one?"
Great question!
Preeclampsia isn't just a fancy word doctors throw around; it's a condition that can have real consequences if not managed properly.
  • For You: Your organs, especially your kidneys and liver, might not work as efficiently as they should. This can lead to other complications like HELLP syndrome, a more severe form of preeclampsia.
  • For Baby: Reduced blood flow to the placenta could mean poor growth, less amniotic fluid, and even premature birth.
  • Team Effort: Yes, it affects both of you, which is why it’s so essential for you to keep up with your prenatal appointments and screenings.
In the grand scheme of your pregnancy journey, knowledge about preeclampsia enables you to work hand in hand with your healthcare provider for the best outcomes.
The Action Plan: Detecting and Managing Preeclampsia
Feeling a bit anxious?
The good news is that preeclampsia is detectable and manageable.
It all begins with keen awareness and regular check-ups.
  • Blood Pressure Monitoring: Regular blood pressure checks are the cornerstone of early detection.
  • Urine Tests: Those frequent urine tests are doing more than just checking off a box; they're looking for protein levels.
  • Blood Tests: Sometimes, additional blood tests may be needed to assess your liver and kidney function.
By staying on top of these tests, you're ensuring that you get the care you need right when you need it.
It's all about being your own health advocate!
The BFF of Preeclampsia Management: Treatment Options
Alright, if preeclampsia does make an appearance, what's the game plan?
Your healthcare provider will likely suggest a tailored treatment plan that could include a mix of bed rest, medication, and frequent monitoring.
  • Bed Rest: A bit of R&R may be prescribed to lower your blood pressure.
  • Medication: Drugs like antihypertensives may be used to control high blood pressure.
  • Monitoring: Fetal heart rate monitoring and ultrasounds can be increased to keep tabs on your baby's well-being.
So, if this uninvited guest does show up, you've got the tools to show it the door.
All you need to know
High-Risk Pregnancies: What You Need to Know
3 min read
Understanding HELLP Syndrome
3 min read
O
Olivia
2 Feb 2024

Anyone’s OB recommended taking baby aspirin to help with lowering the risk of preeclampsia?

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
6 comments
O
Olivia
How every so often? And did they prescribe it to you or did you just buy it over the counter?
27 Mar 2024

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S
SAJ
My OB recommended it also & I take 1 tablet everyday ! It’s definitely a precaution for you & baby . Start taking it asap !
27 Mar 2024

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S
Savannah
28 Oct 2023

5 days after baby and I’m re admitted because of preeclampsia. Hopefully this stay isn’t too long.

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
2 comments
M
Meghan
How did you know you had it?
27 Mar 2024

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S
Savannah
My blood pressure was like 163/113, my vision got blurry,I had a hard time urinating, fingertips were numb and I had a consistent mild headache.
27 Mar 2024

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S
Selena
2 Oct 2023

Have a headache and the back of my neck hurts alil kinda scared of it being preeclampsia 😢

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
6 comments
P
Pauletta
Is there a history of it in your family??
27 Mar 2024

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S
Selena
No I don’t believe so
27 Mar 2024

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V
Victoria
25 May 2023

Preeclampsia got the best of me now the doctors saying Baby boy will be here tomorrow

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8 comments
S
Sarah
24 May 2023

Has any of you Mamas been diagnosed with Preeclampsia without any of the symptoms? My dr had me get blood work done to rule out preeclampsia due to my blood pressure being high last couple visits

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
1 comments
M
Michelle
Me and it sucks. Don't Google it. Lol
27 Mar 2024

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A
Aslin
6 Apr 2023

So update, my preeclampsia did get more advanced. I will no longer be induced at 37 weeks but now 34weeks. I will be staying in the hospital till labor. I am 28 weeks 2 days today. Send lots of prayers for us❤️🙏. Only a couple more weeks left till I meet my little princess. 🤍 ( if you have any really bad experiences , I would appreciate it if you keep it to yourself. I don’t want to overwhelm myself with others people bad experience) thank you for understanding ❤️

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
14 comments
T
Teara
Hope you get to relax and everything goes smoothly for you and baby moving forward 🤍🙏🏽
27 Mar 2024

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A
Ashley
Hey I am in the same boat as you! Currently 32 weeks 5 days and the scheduled me for induction in 9 days on the 15th for 34 weeks. My nerves are shot, shaking with anxiety. Restless can’t sleep. What are you doing to cope? My minds racing trying to think only positive happy thoughts but it’s a lot!!
27 Mar 2024

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Z
Zailys
8 Jan 2023

Got told yesterday at my appointment that I have preeclampsia at 35 weeks. So on the 19th (37+1 weeks) I’ll be induced. 😬 super nervous. #preeclampsia

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
8 comments
M
Mas00
How did they rule that out ? They are on the fence of inducing me because they think I have preeclampsia but they aren’t 100% sure one minute everything is off and then the next I’m fine.
27 Mar 2024

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K
Kristen
Good luck, momma! I'm getting induced at 38 weeks on the nose.
27 Mar 2024

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