Episcopal Health Services (EHS) is dedicated to ensuring the comfort, health, and safety of you and your baby. The team at the Labor and Delivery Suite in Far Rockaway, NY, has extensive experience in diagnosing and managing pregnancy complications, and in particular, preeclampsia. Throughout the past decade, we have provided care to more patients with preeclampsia, and achieved more positive outcomes, than many other health systems. EHS isalso Baby Friendly designated, reflecting our commitment to optimal care, grounded in the latest evidence and international best practices.
What is Preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and issues concerning your kidneys or liver. It typically develops in the second trimester of pregnancy (20 weeks post gestation), but it can also occur after delivery—a condition known as postpartum preeclampsia.
If untreated, preeclampsia can cause serious health issues for you and your baby. Below isessential information about how to protect yourself and detect signs of this condition.
Am I at Risk for Preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia occurs in approximately 2 to 8 percent of all pregnancies and is a leading cause of maternal deaths. The number of cases continues to rise, having increased 25 percent over the past decade. Additionally, the rate among Black women is 60 percent higher than that among white women.
Although the precise cause of preeclampsia remains unknown, several factors can increase your risk for developing it, including:
- A history of high blood pressure, kidney disease, or diabetes
- A history of preeclampsia either in your family or during your previous pregnancies
- A pregnancy with multiple fetuses, such as twins
- Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus or type 1 diabetes
- Obesity (a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher)
- Your age (the average age for preeclampsia is 29, but your risk is higher if you are 35 or older)
What Are the Signs of Preeclampsia?
You may have preeclampsia, or postpartum preeclampsia, if you are experiencing:
- High blood pressure
- Protein in your urine
- A severe, long-lasting headache
- Ongoing nausea and vomiting
- Sharp upper belly pain, usually on the right side
- Difficulty breathing
- Changes in your vision (e.g., blurriness, spots, and light sensitivity)
- Excessive weight gain or swelling in your hands or face
Preeclampsia can sometimes occur with no symptoms. That’s why it’s important to adhere toprenatal appointments so your healthcare provider can monitor your blood pressure, weight, and urine protein levels, as well as your baby’s health. If you are experiencing any or several of these symptoms, you should call or visit us at Episcopal Health Services immediately.
How Does Preeclampsia Affect Me or My Baby?
Left untreated or closely monitored, preeclampsia can lead to health issues that may be fatal for you and your baby, such as:
- Severe liver or kidney damage
- Brain damage
- Eclampsia—a condition in which high blood pressure causes stroke or seizures
- HELLP (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes and Low Platelets) syndrome—a severe form of preeclampsia that can lead to liver and kidney failure, blood disorders, and other health issues
Preeclampsia can also increase your risk for developing heart, kidney, or liver disease later in life.
For your baby, preeclampsia can result in:
- Premature birth
- Low birthweight
- Separation of the placenta from the uterus, cutting off vital nutrients and oxygen to your baby during development.
Early detection of preeclampsia is key for you and your baby’s health. Call or visit your physician if you are experiencing any sign of preeclampsia.
How is Preeclampsia Treated?
Your Episcopal Health Services care provider will recommend the following options to treat, or manage, your symptoms, depending on severity and when you are diagnosed.
- If you are diagnosed early and your symptoms are not severe, your provider will most likely recommend monitoring through frequent ultrasounds, blood tests, and urine tests. This may include at-home blood tests.
- If your symptoms are severe, your provider may recommend hospitalization for close monitoring.
- You may also be prescribed medications to manage your blood pressure, as well as antenatal corticosteroids to boost the development of your baby’s lungs.
- If your symptoms become worse, your provider may recommend early birth. This may be a vaginal birth but, in some cases, it may be through C-section, for your safety and the safety of your baby.
Is There Any Cure for Preeclampsia?
Unfortunately, no cure exists for preeclampsia, but there are steps you can take to help reduce your risk for developing this condition:
- Regular exercise
- Sound sleep
- Changes in nutrition
- Reduction in weight if you are obese
- Management of your blood pressure levels
Low-dose Aspirin may also reduce your risk for developing preeclampsia. Talk to your healthcare provider for guidance on what is best for you and your baby.
Why visit EHS for preeclampsia care?
We are committed to delivering comprehensive care for you and your baby Episcopal HealthServices is Baby Friendly designated, reflecting our commitment to optimal care grounded in the latest evidence and international best practices. Our Labor and Delivery Suite team are all certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and we are affiliated with LIJ, for our most vulnerable patients who are greater than 32 weeks post gestation. We also deliver high-quality, value-based services with cultural sensitivity for the faiths and traditions of everyone we serve.
For more information on Obstetrics/Gynecology at Episcopal Health Services, call 718-869-7382.
Click here to find an Obstetrician or Gynecologist at Episcopal Health Services. To schedule an appointment at our clinic, please call 718-869-7690.