Preeclampsia

High blood pressure during pregnancy, also known as preeclampsia or gestational hypertension, is a condition that can develop at any time during pregnancy.

• Information for Patients
• Information for Medical Professionals

Preeclampsia Information for Patients

What are the symptoms of Preeclampsia?

Pregnant women who have preeclampsia may experience the following:

• Headache
• Swelling of hands and feet
• Abdominal pain

Is Preeclampsia harmful?

• For unborn babies, preeclampsia can be harmful because it may cause the baby to grow more slowly and can cause preterm (early) birth
• For pregnant moms, preeclampsia can lead to seizures, decrease in organ function, and in some cases, death

Who is at risk?

• Preeclampsia affects 1 out of every 20 pregnancies.
• At BMC, 3 out of 10 women have high blood pressure in pregnancy.

Women at high risk of developing preeclampsia include:

• History of high blood pressure (chronic or in pregnancy)
• History of diabetes
• Women pregnant with twins or triplets
• History of kidney problems
• Having an autoimmune disease

Moderate risk factors for developing preeclampsia include:

• First pregnancy
• High body fat (BMI>30)
• Family history of preeclampsia
• Women who are African American/Black
• Women are 35 or older
• Previously had a baby with low birth weight
• It’s been more than 10 years since having a previous baby

How can at-risk patients prevent complications from preeclampsia?

Prenatal aspirin (aka low-dose baby, or 81mg aspirin) is recommended for women whose pregnancies are at a moderate or high-risk of developing preeclampsia. When that is the case, taking aspirin will not harm mom or her unborn baby.

Benefits of prenatal aspirin

• Safe for mom and baby
• Works within the placenta
• Lowers risk of premature birth
• Lowers risk of baby being low birthweight

Patients should speak with their provider to see if they may be a good candidate for prenatal aspirin.

Information about Preeclampsia for Medical Professionals

Prenatal Aspirin Project