How to Prevent Preeclampsia
Developing high blood pressure during late pregnancy may signal a condition called preeclampsia. Untreated, this condition potentially threatens both mother and child. Fortunately, preeclampsia is easily detected during routine prenatal care visits. Plus, close monitoring can help women who develop it stay healthy and deliver healthy babies. To learn the facts, take this true-false quiz.
1. Developing high blood pressure during pregnancy always means you have preeclampsia.
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Having high blood pressure during pregnancy, called gestational hypertension, doesn’t necessarily mean you have preeclampsia. Elevated blood pressure is only one symptom of preeclampsia. There are several other possible warning signs, such as:
- Swelling that doesn’t disappear after resting—especially in the face and hands
- Gaining more than five pounds a week
- Persistent or severe headaches that are not relieved by rest, fluids, or acetaminophen
- Double or blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Abdominal pain
Pregnant women who notice any of these symptoms should talk to their doctor.
2. A woman’s age affects her risk for this condition.
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Being younger than age 20 or older than age 40 boosts the risk for preeclampsia. So does a history of chronic high blood pressure. Other risk factors include:
- Developing either gestational hypertension or preeclampsia during an earlier pregnancy
- Having a family history of preeclampsia
- Carrying more than one baby at a time
- Being obese
- First pregnancy.
Preeclampsia is also more common in women who suffer from diabetes, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus.
3. Physical activity may help prevent preeclampsia.
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Women who exercise regularly before and during pregnancy are less likely to develop both hypertension and preeclampsia while they’re pregnant.
You also may be able to ward off this condition by eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Women who don’t get enough of these nutrients seem to be more prone to preeclampsia. Talk with your doctor about your nutritional needs during pregnancy.
Some doctors advise women with a high risk for preeclampsia to take aspirin daily.
Also possibly helpful is keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Some research has linked gum disease to preeclampsia.
4. Women who develop preeclampsia are more likely to have high blood pressure after pregnancy.
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Symptoms of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension usually disappear within six weeks after delivery. However, either condition may boost your chance of developing high blood pressure later in life.
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