Know the signs of preeclampsia
Q:
I’m in my first trimester of pregnancy. What should I know about preeclampsia?
A:
“Preeclampsia is a condition that typically occurs during the third trimester of pregnancy. It affects between 5 and 10 percent of pregnancies worldwide. Left untreated, it can cause serious, even fatal, complications for the mother and her baby. Pregnant women should educate themselves about it so they know what symptoms to look for and when to call a physician,” says Adrienne LeGendre, M.D., a boardcertified Obstetrics and Gynecology specialist at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic.
Dr. LeGendre says preeclampsia can cause high blood pressure, reduction in kidney function, separation of the placenta from the uterus before delivery, heart disease, premature birth and seizures.
The good news is that preeclampsia can usually be controlled when caught early. Part of getting out ahead of the condition is recognizing signs and symptoms. These include: • High blood pressure. • Severe swelling of the hands
and face. • Headaches, blurred vision or
shortness of breath. • Pain in the upper right quadrant of your abdomen. A prepregnancy history of high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease and obesity are common risk factors. Women who are experiencing a first-time pregnancy, a pregnancy after the age of 35, carrying multiple babies or have a family history of preeclampsia are also at increased risk.
“If you experience any of the signs or symptoms of preeclampsia, see your doctor immediately,” says Dr. LeGendre, who cares for patients at Kelsey-Seybold’s Fort Bend Medical and Diagnostic Center.