Preeclampsia Specialist

What is preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia causes an increase in your blood pressure and high protein levels in your urine while you’re pregnant. It usually develops before your 20th week of pregnancy or earlier and can have dangerous implications for you and your baby if it goes untreated. In some cases, you can develop preeclampsia after delivery.

The team at Frisco Obstetrics and Gynecology, PA monitors your condition closely during and after your pregnancy to keep you and your baby strong and healthy.

What are the symptoms of preeclampsia?

If you have preeclampsia, you may notice the following signs, some more severe than others:

• Weight gain
• Pain in your upper right abdomen
• Swelling in your face and hands
• Noticeable difference in your vision
• Constant headache
• Fluid in your lungs
• Seizures
• Impaired liver or kidney function
• Changes in your baby’s heart rate
  
  

During your routine examination, your provider checks your blood pressure and tests your urine. If you have hypertension and protein in your urine, then the team performs a nonstress test to check the health of the fetus.

What causes preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia can develop for various reasons, including:

• Autoimmune disorders
• Genetics
• Blood vessel issues
• Being over 35 years old
• Being a young teenager
• Obesity
• Carrying more than one fetus
• Having a history of diabetes
• Having a history of hypertension
  
  

Consistent prenatal care can help you avoid complications from preeclampsia. Your physician at Frisco Obstetrics and Gynecology, PA gives you superior care during your labor and delivery to ensure you have a successful experience and outcome.

How do you treat preeclampsia?

Delivering your baby can stop preeclampsia from progressing. If you’re at least 37 weeks pregnant, your OBGYN may recommend inducing labor to start the labor and delivery process if you and your baby are in good health.

After you deliver your baby and the placenta, your risk for preeclampsia goes down drastically.

Other treatments include:

• Taking baby aspirin after your first trimester
• Taking medication to lower your blood pressure
• Taking medicine to prevent seizures
• Steroid injections for your baby’s lung development
  
  

If you show signs of preeclampsia after delivery, your symptoms typically resolve on their own. The team continues to monitor your blood pressure to ensure the progress of your health.

To learn more about preeclampsia and how the team at Frisco Obstetrics and Gynecology, PA can help, call the office or schedule your appointment online today.