About this topic
Sometimes, when a woman is pregnant, she has problems with high blood pressure. High blood pressure during pregnancy is called preeclampsia. Often, there is protein in the urine as well. Preeclampsia often starts about the 20th week of pregnancy. Preeclampsia is a very serious condition and needs to be treated right away. Treatment will help to avoid problems for both the mother and baby. Preeclampsia will go away a few weeks after giving birth. ‚
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Your doctor may give you drugs to lower your blood pressure. You may have to rest in bed. Sometimes, the baby is delivered early. The safety of both mother and the baby is the main concern of the doctor. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what you need to do.
- Track and control your blood pressure. Tell your doctor right away if your blood pressure spikes up.
- Take your drugs as ordered by your doctor.
- Get lots of rest. If your doctor advises bedrest, avoid standing up.
- Drink lots of water.
- If your ankles swell, prop 2 to 3 pillows under your feet when you sit or lie down.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor will ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep your visits.
- If you have not delivered your baby yet, your doctor will order tests to decide if your baby is growing well or needs to be delivered right away. Your doctor will also order lab work to see how serious your preeclampsia is.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Control blood pressure
- Prevent seizures
- Help your babys lungs mature quickly
Will physical activity be limited?
Physical activities may need to be limited. Rest and relax until you give birth. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Very bad high blood pressure called eclampsia
- Seizure
- HELLP syndrome
- Clotting problem that may lead to too much bleeding
- Stroke
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Visit your doctor regularly for prenatal check-ups.
- Keep yourself healthy during pregnancy.
When do I need to call the doctor?
Activate the emergency medical system right away if you have signs of stroke. Call 911 in the United States or Canada. The sooner treatment begins, the better your chances for recovery. Call for emergency help right away if you have: ‚
- Signs of stroke:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Call your doctor if you have: ‚
- Very bad headache
- More swelling than normal and less urine than normal
- Problems with eyesight
- Upset stomach or throwing up
- Fast heartbeat
- Ringing in your ears
- Signs of high blood pressure
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet, drugs, or activities.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a bad headache, swelling, upset stomach, or ringing in my ears.
Where can I learn more?
FamilyDoctor.org ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-induced-hypertension.printerview.all.html ‚
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/hbp/hbp_preg.htm ‚
Preeclampsia Foundation ‚
http://www.preeclampsia.org/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚