• Gestational Diabetes
• Preeclampsia
• Preterm Labor
• Post-term Pregnancy
• Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)
• Polyhydramnios
• Oligohydramnios
• Placenta abruption and previa
• Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS)

10 Things to know about Preeclampsia

1. Preeclampsia (or toxemia of pregnancy) is a pregnancy induced condition, affecting about 5% of all pregnant women, mostly in the first pregnancy and typically after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
2. Preeclampsia is characterized by:
   • high blood pressure > 140/90 for the first time during pregnancy
   • fluid retention or swelling
   • protein in the urine
3. Chronic hypertension is defined as high blood pressure present prior to pregnancy.
   Pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) is blood pressure elevation only during pregnancy. PIH often progresses to preeclampsia.
   Preeclampsia is PIH with protein in the urine.
4. No one knows the cause of preeclampsia.
5. Rarely, preeclampsia can proceed to life threatening Eclampsia which include convulsion and coma that may lead to death of mother and baby. 10% women with severe preeclampsia can develop HEELP Syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzyme, Low Platelet) which may necessitate immediate delivery of the baby to prevent serious complications.
6. Conditions predisposing to preeclampsia:
   • First time pregnancy
   • Diabetes
   • High blood pressure
   • Previous history of preeclampsia
   • Older than 40
   • Multiple pregnancy with twins or more
   • Overweight
   • Family history of preeclampsia
7. Constellation of symptoms that may signal the development of preeclampsia. Consult with your doctor.
   • Severe headache
   • Swelling in face, hands, and feet
   • Vision changes such as double or blurred vision
   • Sudden weight gain (1 pound a day or more)
   • Pain in the upper right portion or mid portion of your abdomen
   • Dizziness
   • Nausea and vomiting
   • Feeling ill
   • Protein in urine
   • Elevated blood pressure
8. Mild preeclampsia is diagnosed during routine prenatal care visits.

   Your provider will check your blood pressure, urine for protein, lab tests. If untreated, the high blood pressure cause constriction of the blood flow to the uterus and thus can affect your baby’s growth.

   Preeclampsia also can increase risk of placental abruption (separation of the placenta from the uterine wall before delivery) which can cause bleeding.

   Severe preeclampsia requires delivery. Timing of delivery depends on its severity, fetal growth and well being, and the fetal age.

9. Magnesium sulfate is used to prevent seizure in patients with preeclampsia.
10. Treatment for preeclampsia is delivery. Timing of the delivery depends on gestational age and severity of your condition.