Preeclampsia is a condition during pregnancy where there is a sudden rise in blood pressure and swelling, mostly in the face, hands, and feet.

Preeclampsia is the most common complication to occur during pregnancy. It generally develops during the third trimester and affects about 1 in 20 pregnancies.

If the preeclampsia remains untreated, it can develop to eclampsia, in which the mother can experience convulsions, coma, and can even die. However, complications from preeclampsia are extremely rare if the mother attends her prenatal appointments.

You can help protect yourself by learning the symptoms of preeclampsia and by seeing Dr. Priyanka Bhargava for regular prenatal care. Catching preeclampsia early may lower the chances of long-term problems for both mom and baby.

🔷 Preeclampsia Symptoms – 

In addition to swelling (also called edema), protein in the urine, and blood pressure over 130/80, preeclampsia symptoms include:

• Weight gain over 1 or 2 days because of a large increase in bodily fluid

• Shoulder pain

• Belly pain, especially in the upper right side

• Severe headaches

• Change in reflexes or mental state

• Peeing less or not at all

• Dizziness

• Trouble breathing

• Severe vomiting and nausea

• Vision changes like flashing lights, floaters, or blurry vision

🔷 Preeclampsia Risk Factors – 

Things that can increase your chance of getting preeclampsia include:

• Being a teen or woman over 40

• Being pregnant for the first time

• Having babies less than 2 years apart or more than 10 years apart

• Pregnancy with a new partner instead of the father of your previous children

• High blood pressure before getting pregnant

• A history of preeclampsia

• A mother or sister who had preeclampsia

• A history of obesity

• Carrying more than one baby

• In-vitro fertilization

• A history of diabetes, kidney disease, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis

🔷 Preeclampsia Prevention – 

If you have a greater chance of getting preeclampsia, talk to the expert Dr. Priyanka Bhargava about making lifestyle changes that can help keep you healthy. You might need to:

• Lose some weight if you’re overweight

• Stop smoking

• Exercise regularly

• Get your blood pressure or blood sugar under control

The only cure for preeclampsia is to give birth. Even after delivery, symptoms of preeclampsia can last 6 weeks or more.