As an OB-GYN, I’m often asked if there’s anything my patients can do to prevent preeclampsia, a serious form of high blood pressure in pregnancy that can harm moms and babies.
I tell my patients that, to protect their health and their baby’s well-being, it’s vital to have regular prenatal care visits with their doctor and to learn the warning signs of preeclampsia. In this blog, I’ll also explore who is more susceptible to preeclampsia and discuss steps that may help some people reduce their chances of developing it.
Why preeclampsia matters
Preeclampsia shows up in roughly 5% to 8% of U.S. births, typically after the 20th week of pregnancy. If it isn’t diagnosed and treated, preeclampsia can cause serious complications for moms and babies, such as seizures, stroke, and kidney damage. And it sometimes leads to HELLP syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition that involves damage to blood cells and the liver.
Preeclampsia can also cause placental abruption (when the placenta becomes detached from the uterus), stillbirths, and low-birth-weight babies.
What are the risk factors?
Anyone can get preeclampsia during or shortly after their pregnancy. But certain factors can put you in either a high-risk or moderate-risk category for preeclampsia, increasing your chances of developing this condition.
High-risk category:
You may be at high risk of developing preeclampsia if you:
- Had preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy
- Are pregnant with twins, triplets, or more
- Have chronic (ongoing) high blood pressure, kidney disease, or type 2 diabetes
- Have an autoimmune condition such as lupus
Moderate-risk category:
You may be at moderate risk for preeclampsia if you:
- Are pregnant for the first time or it has been more than 10 years since your first pregnancy
- Have a body mass index (BMI) over 30
- Have a family history of preeclampsia
- Are age 35 or older
- Used in vitro fertilization
In addition, some people have a higher risk of preeclampsia due to systemic factors linked to health inequities.
Take steps to reduce your risk
There’s no sure-fire way to prevent preeclampsia. But if you’re pregnant or planning to be, some things may reduce your risk:
1. Ask your doctor about aspirin
As OB-GYNs, we sometimes prescribe low-dose (81-162 milligram) aspirin starting in the second trimester to reduce preeclampsia risk in certain patients. We often do this for those at high risk or with multiple moderate risk factors. However, aspirin isn’t for everyone. You shouldn’t start taking aspirin unless your doctor prescribes it for you.
2. Prevent or control high blood pressure
This is crucial, as chronic high blood pressure raises your risk of preeclampsia. Some things you can do:
- Follow a heart-healthy eating plan.
- Get regular exercise. Your doctor can recommend exercises that are safe for you.
- Take medications. I sometimes recommend medications to help my patients lower their blood pressure.
- Monitor your blood pressure at home regularly and report any high readings to your doctor. Typically, that means a reading of 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or higher.
3. Maintain a healthy weight
Reaching or maintaining a healthy weight before getting pregnant may help with blood pressure control and reduce the risk of preeclampsia. Try not to gain more weight than recommended by your provider during pregnancy.
4. Know the signs of preeclampsia
This step won’t help you avoid preeclampsia, but it may alert you and your doctor to it early. Many people with preeclampsia have no symptoms. If symptoms do develop, they may include:
- A long-lasting headache not relieved by Tylenol
- Sudden weight gain
- Swelling of the face, hands, or feet
- Vision changes
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Upper abdomen and shoulder pain
It’s important to tell your doctor right away if you have any of the symptoms listed above.
5. Go to all your prenatal care visits
You can have preeclampsia and feel just fine. That’s why it’s vital to have your doctor check for preeclampsia by taking your blood pressure reading and checking your urine for protein. If you are at higher risk for preeclampsia, your doctor may recommend more frequent prenatal visits than you would normally have.
What if preeclampsia develops?
If you do develop preeclampsia, your doctor will help you manage it. You and your doctor may discuss the possibility of delivering your baby early. The specific treatment for preeclampsia varies based on whether it’s mild or severe, as well as other factors. After you have your baby, you and your doctor should continue monitoring your blood pressure — preeclampsia can persist or even worsen in the postpartum period.
Get the specialized care you need
Managing a higher-risk pregnancy or a complication like preeclampsia can feel like a lot to do. At Temple Health, experienced and compassionate OB-GYNs and maternal-fetal medicine specialists are here to support you at every step. Call 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536) to set up an appointment or request one online.
