Studies suggest that about 10% of all pregnancies in the United States are complicated by high blood pressure. High blood pressure in pregnancy is a serious issue that can cause a number of complications for both mother and baby. This includes a condition known as preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a blood pressure disorder that can happen during pregnancy or soon after delivery. If you have been diagnosed with preeclampsia, your prenatal team will pay close attention to your pregnancy as it advances to ensure that both you and your baby are doing well.
What is preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is a blood pressure condition that can develop after the 20th week of pregnancy. Women with preeclampsia often have high blood pressure alongside high levels of protein in their urine (proteinuria). Pre-eclampsia can also affect the blood supply to the placenta, impair liver and kidney function, and cause a seizure or stroke in the pregnant patient.
