When you're expecting a child, having ongoing pregnancy help and supportive prenatal care is essential. During routine check-ups with your prenatal doctor, they'll test you for a variety of conditions and ailments, including preeclampsia. If you're unfamiliar with this condition, here's a brief guide so you can better understand next steps. 

What Is This Condition?

Preeclampsia is a blood pressure condition that develops in women during pregnancy. This issue typically arises around the 20th week of pregnancy and presents as high blood pressure and high levels of protein in the urine. An increase in blood pressure can put stress on the heart and other organs. Pregnant women with preeclampsia may also experience kidney dysfunction, impaired liver function, and a change in the blood supply that goes to the placenta. 

What Are Its Symptoms?

Many expectant mothers with preeclampsia do not exhibit outward symptoms. Others may experience headaches, shortness of breath, blurry vision, sensitivity to light, swelling of the hands and face, and abdominal pain on the right side of the body. In severe cases, preeclampsia can lead to fluid in the lungs, decreased kidney function, decreased urine production, and low blood platelet levels. 

How Do OB-GYNs Diagnose This Condition?

Preeclampsia is typically diagnosed during routine prenatal care check-ups. When your OB-GYN checks your blood pressure, urine, and weight gain, they may notice signs of the condition. Additional blood tests, urine tests, and fetal monitoring will help your prenatal care fully diagnose the issue. 

What Does Treatment Entail?

There is no cure for preeclampsia during pregnancy. Instead, expectant mothers will have to closely monitor their blood pressure with additional testing and appointments with their doctor. Most women with preeclampsia do deliver early, around the 37th week of pregnancy. 

Medication may be prescribed in order to help manage blood pressure and help with lung development in the fetus. Many mothers with preeclampsia plan for a C-section as opposed to a vaginal birth due to early delivery and possible complications. 

If you're looking for a caring prenatal doctor who has experience treating patients with preeclampsia, Advanced OB-GYN Services is the clinic for you. With two locations, patients across Missouri can count on Dr. Joseph Hazan and his three decades of experience to ensure comprehensive care. To schedule an appointment in St. Peters, MO, call today at (636) 928-1800 or (314) 291-2140 for St. Louis. For more information on their personalized approach and commitment to being on-call 24/7, visit their website.