Pre-eclampsia and High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy
When To Call a Doctor
Seizures
If you have pre-eclampsia, it is possible that you will have an unexpected seizure (eclampsia). Eclampsia can lead to a coma and is life-threatening to both you and your fetus.
Someone must call 911 or other emergency services immediately if you are having an eclamptic seizure.
If you are pregnant and have pre-eclampsia, your family and friends should know how to help during a seizure.
Seek medical care immediately if you are pregnant and begin to have symptoms of pre-eclampsia, such as:
- Blurred vision or other vision problems.
- Frequent headaches that are becoming worse or a persistent headache that does not respond to non-prescription pain medicine.
- Pain or tenderness in your abdomen, especially in the upper right section.
- Weight gain of 1 kg (2 lb) or more over a 24-hour period.
- Shoulder, neck, and other upper body pain (this pain originates in the liver).
If you have mild high blood pressure or mild pre-eclampsia, you may not have any symptoms. It is important to see a health professional regularly throughout your pregnancy. Your blood pressure will be checked and your urine will be tested at every visit so that any abnormal rise in blood pressure or urinary protein can be easily detected.
Watchful Waiting
Symptoms such as heartburn or swelling in the legs and feet are normal during pregnancy and are not usually symptoms of pre-eclampsia. You can discuss these symptoms with your doctor or registered midwife at your next scheduled prenatal visit. However, if swelling occurs along with other symptoms of pre-eclampsia, contact your health professional immediately.
Who To See
Your family doctor or general practitioner can treat high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia during pregnancy. You may be referred to an obstetrician or a perinatologist.
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment
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| Author: | Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH Carrie Henley | Last Updated: March 15, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Gregory A L Davies, MD, FRCSC, FACOG - Maternal-Fetal Medicine William Gilbert, MD - Perinatology | |
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