preeclampsia: what you need to know
- High blood pressure
- Too much protein in the urine (caused by stress on the kidneys)
- Edema (or swelling) in the face and hands
- Sudden rapid weight gain
- Headaches, blurred vision and abdominal pain
- Are pregnant for the first time
- Had preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy
- Have a history of high blood pressure
- Are 35 or older
- Are carrying more than one baby
- Have a mother or sister who experienced pregnancy-induced hypertension
- Are significantly overweight
- Have other medical conditions, such as diabetes or kidney disease
- Enter pregnancy at a healthy weight
- Follow weight guideline recommendations during pregnancy
- Take a daily prenatal multivitamin and mineral prescribed by your doctor
- Eat a balanced diet providing all the nutrients needed including calcium, vitamins C and E, and healthy fats
Regular visits with your doctor will help detect any areas of concern and will ensure you get treatment early on, if needed, to significantly increase your chances of delivering a healthy baby.
- http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/hbp/issues/preg/common.htm. Accessed April 9, 2014.
- Expect the Best. Elizabeth Ward, 2009, The American Dietetics Association, J Wiley and Sons, Hoboken, NJ.