When it Comes to Preeclampsia, Vigilance Can Save Your Life

Preeclampsia poses a life-threatening risk to women before and after pregnancy. Yet, many women don’t know the warning signs, which can be subtle. By the time they seek help, women may have developed advanced symptoms that can be challenging to treat.

At Memorial Healthcare System, we’re dedicated to raising community awareness about preeclampsia and making sure pregnant women who are at risk receive the monitoring and care they need.

What is Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal and infant illness and death, according to the Preeclampsia Foundation. Women with preeclampsia develop hypertension (high blood pressure) during the second half of pregnancy or in the weeks after delivery. In women, preeclampsia can lead to seizures, stroke, and organ damage.

In babies, it can cause premature birth and low birth weight. Preeclampsia is sometimes fatal for women and babies.

Between 12,000 and 13,000 women deliver their babies annually at Memorial Healthcare System's three Family Birthplace locations. Of those, almost 1 in 10 has preeclampsia — more than double the national average of 4.2 percent over the past 30 years.

“Our team has extensive experience and training to treat problems that arise during and after pregnancy, including preeclampsia,” says Terri-Ann Bennet, MD, chief of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at Memorial Healthcare System. “We take a patient- and family-centered approach to provide the best care possible for women and their babies.”

Who is at Risk for Preeclampsia?

Any woman can develop preeclampsia before or after her child is born. Some factors increase a woman’s risk. Your risk is higher if you:

• Are obese (body mass index of 30 or greater)
• Are over 35 or under 20
• Are pregnant with more than one baby
• Have a history of high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, or organ transplant
• Have a personal or family history of preeclampsia
• Have late or no prenatal care

Meet Patricia, who developed preeclampsia after a “perfect pregnancy.”

Why Are Black Women at Increased Risk for Preeclampsia?

Black women in the U.S. have a 60 percent higher rate of preeclampsia compared to white women, according to the Centers for Disease Control. These are the main reasons:

• Higher chance of entering pregnancy with chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and kidney disease, which are risk factors for preeclampsia.
• Typically have poorer access to high-quality healthcare, including prenatal care.

Black women are also more likely than white women to develop severe preeclampsia.

Take These Steps to Lower Your Risk

If you are considering getting pregnant, talk to your OB/GYN about your health history. The doctor will ask questions to understand which health risks you may face during and after pregnancy.

Once you become pregnant, get early and regular prenatal care. Depending on your risk factors for preeclampsia, your provider may ask you to keep track of your blood pressure with a home blood pressure monitor.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle while pregnant is essential, too (as it is for all pregnant women).

• Eat a variety of foods that are rich in potassium, fiber and protein and lower in salt and saturated fat.
• Get regular physical activity and maintain a healthy pregnancy weight.
• Stop smoking and don’t drink alcohol. Your provider can offer guidance and helpful resources.

There is only one treatment option for women who develop preeclampsia during pregnancy: delivering the baby and placenta. If it is “too soon” to deliver the baby, your care team will monitor you closely (perhaps in the hospital). They will manage your condition with medicines. Delivery can happen once the baby is closer to full-term.

Memorial Healthcare Program Offers Extra Help for Women at High Risk

Memorial Healthcare System offers an OB hypertension navigator program for pregnant women who are at high risk for hypertensive conditions, including preeclampsia. The goal is to help improve outcomes, particularly for women of color and their babies in Broward County.

The navigator provides close monitoring for pregnant women who have or are at risk of hypertension. They offer:

• Coordination of timely pre- and post-natal care
• Education about the danger signs
• Postpartum blood pressure monitoring 

Be Vigilant and Get Care Right Away

Some women with preeclampsia don’t feel sick until the condition becomes advanced. Others may experience symptoms but attribute them to the “normal” effects of pregnancy.

High blood pressure (140/90 or higher) is one of the biggest red flags for preeclampsia. Other signs and symptoms include:

• Blurry vision/seeing spots
• Feeling nauseous or throwing up
• Headaches (often severe)
• Stomach pain
• Swelling in your hands and face
• Weight gain of more than five pounds in a week

If you notice any of these symptoms during pregnancy or within six weeks after delivery, do not delay. Contact your OB/GYN if it is possible to do so quickly. Or go to the nearest emergency department.

Learn — and Listen to Your Body

Patricia, who developed preeclampsia within a few days of her daughter’s birth at Memorial Healthcare, had a “perfect pregnancy.” But her OB/GYN sent her home from the hospital with a blood pressure cuff just in case. He knew she was at higher risk of preeclampsia since she had hypertension before getting pregnant.

“I did not realize how serious preeclampsia was or how many young women have lost their lives to it, either during, before, or after, just because of a lack of knowledge,” Patricia says. “Knowing and being educated, I would say it did save my life.”

If you have concerns about your blood pressure, talk to your doctor immediately.

To learn more about trusted maternity care near you, visit Memorial Family Birthplace.