faqs

There are two forms of preeclampsia:

• Preeclampsia-eclampsia
• Preeclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension

You may encounter other names like toxemia, PET (pre-eclampsia/toxemia) and PIH (pregnancy induced hypertension) EPH gestosis (edema, proteinuria, hypertension), but these designations are all outdated terms and no longer used by medical experts.

The Preeclampsia Foundation also focuses on two other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, which include:

• Chronic hypertension (hypertension when you are not pregnant) which may not have been diagnosed before pregnancy
• Gestational hypertension, blood pressure rising after the 20th week but not accompanied by proteinuria.

Many factors guide a healthcare provider’s decision about how to manage preeclampsia, including the gestational age and health of the baby, overall health and age of the mother, and a careful assessment of how the disease is progressing. This includes monitoring blood pressure and assessing the results of laboratory tests that indicate the condition of the mother’s kidneys, liver, or the ability of her blood to clot. Other tests monitor how well the unborn baby is growing and/or if he or she seems in danger. When the pregnancy is less than 37 weeks the caregiver usually tries to gain some time, but if 37 weeks or later, the provider will often opt to deliver the baby.

The healthcare provider will watch for signs of instability in the mother, including very high blood pressure that’s not responding to antihypertensive drugs, signs the kidneys and/or liver are failing, and a reduced number of red blood cells or platelets. Providers also watch closely for indications of an impending seizure or signs the brain is about stroke, and may treat the patient with magnesium sulfate (an anticonvulsant specifically used for preeclampsia). Antihypertensive drugs will be used if blood pressure rises to dangerously high levels, 160/110 or higher.

If the baby is growing insufficiently, not at all, or scores poorly on a “stress test,” he or she may not survive if left in the uterus. Even if the baby is very premature, delivery may be required if the disease can not be stabilized in order to protect the mother or ensure the baby’s survival.

Eclampsia (e-CLAMP-si-a) is a very serious complication of preeclampsia characterized by one or more seizures during pregnancy or in the post-partum period. In the developed world, eclampsia is rare and usually treatable if appropriate intervention is promptly sought. Left untreated, eclamptic seizures can result in coma, brain damage, and possibly maternal or infant death.

Preeclampsia is so named because it was originally identified as a disorder preceding eclampsia, although it is now known that eclamptic seizures are only one of the several potential complications of the disease. Eclamptic seizures usually occur as a later complication of severe preeclampsia, but may also arise without any prior signs of severe disease.

Magnesium sulfate (given intravenously) is the treatment of choice for severe preeclampsia – to prevent eclampsia – or after eclampsia develops to prevent recurrence. Many, but not all, doctors will also treat every preeclamptic patient with magnesium sulfate during labor, even when the disease appears mild. Magnesium treatment is generally continued for 24-48 hours after the last seizure. You may receive magnesium sulfate in an intensive care unit or a labor and delivery unit. While magnesium is given you will be observed closely, receive intravenous fluids, and may have a catheter placed in your bladder to measure urine output.

Magnesium sulfate can be used by a skilled healthcare provider with appropriate support facilities. Overdoses can occur, especially in the context of impaired kidney function.

Magnesium sulfate has often been compared to Epsom salts, but ingesting Epsom salts, and magnesium vitamin supplements have not been shown to prevent maternal death due to eclamptic seizures. Levels achieved with oral therapy are not sufficient to prevent seizures.

HELLP syndrome is one of the most severe forms of preeclampsia and occurs in 5-12% of preeclamptic patients. It can lead to substantial injury to the mother’s liver, a breakdown of her red blood cells and lowered platelet count. HELLP stands for: hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and lowered platelets. HELLP syndrome may initially be mistaken for the flu or gallbladder problems, because the pains may feel similar and it can occur before the classic symptoms of preeclampsia appear.

The most important thing to remember with HELLP syndrome and preeclampsia is to listen to your body. If you don't feel right or have any of the symptoms, contact your healthcare professional immediately.

For more information about HELLP syndrome, read this special health information.

Preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy occur in 5-8% of all pregnancies of women, including those who have none of the known risk factors (see below). It is more apt to occur during the first pregnancy. The most significant risk factors for preeclampsia are:

• Previous history of preeclampsia
• Multiple gestation (i.e., pregnant with more than one baby)
• History of chronic high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease or organ transplant
• First pregnancy
• Obesity, particularly with Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or greater. Calculate your BMI here.
• Over 35 or under 20 years of age
• Family history of preeclampsia (i.e., a mother, sister, grandmother or aunt had the disorder)
• Gestational diabetes
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• Lupus or other autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis and multiple sclerosis
• Thrombophilia (an inherited or acquired tendency to form blood clots both in arteries and veins)
• In-vitro fertilization (IVF) or other assisted reproductive technology (ART)
• Sickle cell disease
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Black or African American

The cause (etiology) of preeclampsia remains unknown. Numerous proposed theories have led to various attempts at prevention and intervention strategies, none of which have proven to be overwhelmingly successful. There is, however, general agreement that the placenta plays a key role in preeclampsia, and women with chronic hypertension and certain metabolic diseases like diabetes are more susceptible. Obesity is another major risk factor – one that is perhaps modifiable.

Speak to your physician about your risks, and what you can do to minimize them, but recognize that no definitive answers to the cause or causes of preeclampsia yet exist.

There are a number of theories about the initiating cause of preeclampsia and the descriptions in research articles can be difficult to understand. We’ve included in the chart below some current medical terms for the various theories and a layperson’s interpretation. A more detailed article about the potential causes is also available here.

Preeclampsia can cause your blood pressure to rise and put you at risk of brain injury. It can impair kidney and liver function, and cause blood clotting problems, pulmonary edema (fluid on the lungs), seizures and, in severe forms or left untreated, maternal and infant death. Preeclampsia affects the blood flow to the placenta, often leading to smaller or prematurely born babies. Ironically, sometimes the babies can be much larger, but scientists are not certain that preeclampsia was the cause. While maternal death from preeclampsia is rare in the developed world, it is a leading cause of illness and death globally for mothers and infants.

Preeclampsia is often silent, showing up unexpectedly during a routine blood pressure check and urine test. In cases like this, if the baby is considered “term” (on or after 37 weeks) and the growth rate considered normal, the baby is delivered, and the mother monitored and sent home as usual.

The impact of preeclampsia is more profound if it occurs earlier in the pregnancy, or in a woman who had high blood pressure before pregnancy. Care providers may recommend time off work, bed rest, medication and even hospitalization to keep the blood pressure under control. Keeping the baby in-utero as long as possible, assuming growth continues, is preferred for the long-term health of the baby.

Unfortunately, the only "cure" for the disease begins with delivery of the baby and placenta, which is sometimes recommended before the pregnancy goes to term in the best interest of the mother. Doctors may prescribe anti-hypertensive medications. If the blood pressure cannot be managed with medication and treatment, and the mother's and/or baby’s health is at risk, the mother may be given steroids to aid the maturation of the infant's lungs prior to delivering the baby.

Preeclampsia can appear at any time during pregnancy, delivery and up to six weeks post-partum, though it most frequently occurs in the final trimester and resolves within 48 hours of delivery. Preeclampsia can develop gradually, or come on quite suddenly, even flaring up in a matter of hours, though the signs and symptoms may have gone undetected for weeks or months.

In some instances, preeclampsia does not appear until during the delivery, or the 48 hours that follow, but it has been known to occur up to six weeks post-partum. While obviously not dangerous for the baby, post-partum preeclampsia is still critical for the mother. Sleep deprivation, post-partum depression, more attention on the newborn, and a lack of familiarity with normal post-partum experiences all contribute to more easily ignoring or missing indicators of a problem. Any of the signs and symptoms described above should be cause for concern, and you should immediately contact your health care provider if you experience any of them.

Prematurity

Worldwide, preeclampsia is responsible for up to 20% of the 13 million preterm births each year.

A baby is considered premature if he or she is born before 37 weeks, but more severe issues occur when a baby is born earlier than 32 weeks. Babies born later than 32 weeks in developing countries may have more severe problems than babies born in high resource countries since those countries often lack the resources that preemies need.

The effects of being born early can vary widely. Some babies may spend only a day or two under close observations while others may spend the first months of their life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Some babies may also have lifelong problems such as learning disorders, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, blindness, and deafness.

Having a premature baby can also mean a great deal of emotional and financial stress for a family.

Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)

Preeclampsia can cause reduced blood flow to the mother's placenta, restricting the supply of food to her baby. As a result, the baby may become malnourished and be small for its gestational age. Ultrasounds can help identify IUGR.

Many babies who suffer from IUGR can catch up on their growth within a few months, although recent research suggests that growth restricted infants are more prone to adult diseases including diabetes, congestive heart failure and hypertension.

Of the 30 million IUGR infants born worldwide each year, 15% (4.5 million) are associated with preeclampsia.

Mother’s shouldn’t blame themselves or poor nutrition for IUGR, because it is caused by a failing placenta and not the mother’s diet. You could be eating all of the right things, but if the placenta is not capable of passing nutrients along, your baby’s growth will suffer.

Acidosis
The baby survives in the womb by receiving nutrients and oxygen through the placenta. Preeclampsia compromises the placenta and the baby’s body begins to restrict blood flow to its limbs, kidney and stomach in an effort to preserve the vital supply to the brain and heart. Should the baby’s oxygen reserve become depleted, (as the placenta detaches or dies) the baby’s body may produce too much lactic acid. If too much lactic acid builds up, the baby will develop “acidosis” and become unconscious and stop moving. Delivery is essential at this point, even if the baby is premature.

Death

Infant death is one of the most devastating consequences of preeclampsia. In the U.S., approximately 10,500 babies die from preeclampsia each year and an estimated half a million worldwide. Many countries do not have the means to keep a premature baby alive, so the rate of neonatal death in these countries is therefore much higher.

Stillbirths from preeclampsia (babies that die in utero after 20 weeks of gestation) number between 1,000 and 2,200 in the U.S. Stillbirths are much more likely to occur with severe preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome or preeclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension.

Preeclampsia can appear and progress very quickly. Please err on the side of caution and contact your doctor or midwife immediately if you experience warning signs of preeclampsia.

An integrated system of maternal and newborn care can reduce some of these deaths. This includes diagnosing preeclampsia early, monitoring the baby’s condition, using magnesium sulfate to prevent maternal seizures and possibly confer neurological protection on the baby, administering steroids for the baby's lung development, safely managing early delivery when needed, and providing specialized care for pre-term newborns. However, we ultimately need more research. We need to find a cure.

Ongoing life challenges
Preeclampsia has been linked to a host of lifelong challenges for infants born prematurely, among them learning disorders, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, blindness and deafness. With prematurity also comes the risk of extended hospitalization, small gestational size and the interruption of valuable bonding time for families. Prematurity stresses a family unit, and this stress is compounded when the mother is also ill.

An integrated system of maternal and newborn care can reduce some of these deaths. This includes diagnosing preeclampsia early, monitors the baby’s condition, using magnesium sulfate to prevent maternal seizures and possibly confer neurological protection on the baby, safely managing early delivery when needed, and providing needed care for pre-term newborns. However, we ultimately need more research. We need to find a cure.

Currently, the only “cure” for preeclampsia begins with delivery of the baby and placenta. When preeclampsia develops, the mother and her baby are monitored carefully. There are medications and treatments that may prolong the pregnancy, which can increase the baby's chances of health and survival. Once the course of preeclampsia has begun, it cannot be reversed and the health of the mother must be constantly weighed against the health of the baby. In some cases, the baby must be delivered immediately, regardless of gestational age, to save the mother's or baby's life.

We say the cure begins with delivery because women are still at risk for preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, after delivery. It is imperative that postpartum mothers continue to monitor their health for at least six weeks after delivery. Find out more www.stillatrisk.org.

Right now, early diagnosis through simple screening measures and good prenatal care can predict or delay many adverse maternal outcomes of preeclampsia. Prompt treatment saves lives. Research is beginning to provide insight into some of the molecular abnormalities present in preeclamptic women and it is hoped that these recent discoveries may lead to development of a cure.

Researchers suggest there are probably several different variables, some maybe genetic in origin, that predispose a woman to getting preeclampsia and that a preventive or curative therapy for one woman may not work for all women. Although the Preeclampsia Foundation helps fund research, much more is needed. Sadly, preeclampsia is still one of the lowest funded research areas in terms of what health economists call Disability Adjusted Lost Years (DALYs), and we think the pregnant woman deserves a better deal. Policymakers, scientific investigators, health care professionals and patients need to work together to bring the information we already have to those who need it most and to drive greater awareness and resources to this devastating problem.  

To contribute to our research and education programs, please make a contribution here or email giving@preeclampsia.org to discuss your interests in giving.

If you're planning on becoming pregnancy again after experiencing preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy, you may have some concerns. Here's what you can expect:

If my first pregnancy was normal...
If you had a normal first pregnancy, your risk of having preeclampsia in the next pregnancy is very low. However, if you have other risk factors (such as advanced maternal age, excess weight, family history of hypertension), you should be watchful and alert to early warning signs.

Research suggests the risk of having preeclampsia again is approximately 20%, however experts cite a range from 5-80% depending on when you had it in a prior pregnancy and how severe it was. More research is needed to know more certainly how high your risk is.

If you had preeclampsia during your first pregnancy, you may get it again. While repeat occurrence is often less severe, no one can predict for sure. If you've had preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy, you and your healthcare provider should carefully monitor you and your baby during your current pregnancy for any signs or symptoms. (Read more about how to prepare.)

The risk of preeclampsia increases if you have these risk factors; if you've developed chronic hypertension or diabetes since your previous pregnancy; or if you are having IVF, twin, or other multiples.

Your doctor may also decide to start you on low-dose aspirin before getting pregnant or during the first trimester of your pregnancy. Taking aspirin does not guarantee that you will not develop preeclampsia. It is simply one more thing that women can do with relative safety to reduce their overall risk.

Although you didn't have preeclampsia during a second pregnancy, you may still be at risk for the condition during a subsequent pregnancy. Make sure you review your history of preeclampsia with your healthcare provider. As with all pregnancies, being aware of warning signs and symptoms and responding to them quickly is very important.

If your current healthcare provider has advised against getting pregnant again, you may wish to seek a second opinion and weigh your options.

Sometimes a doctor will advise against a future pregnancy to err on the side of caution for your safety and well-being. But even a well-meaning obstetrician may not have the experience to provide this advice. We advise all women in this position to seek a pre-pregnancy consultation with a maternal-fetal medicine doctor who specializes in preeclampsia and related disorders. They can review your medical history, evaluate potential underlying disorders, and give you a more clear idea of your risks. It’s important to remember, however, that preeclampsia is life-threatening and a specialist’s counsel to not get pregnant again should be taken seriously.

Women who have had preeclampsia have three to four times the risk of high blood pressure and double the risk for heart disease and stroke. They also have an increased risk of developing diabetes. For women who had preeclampsia and delivered preterm, had low-birthweight babies, or suffered from severe preeclampsia more than once, the risk of heart disease can be even higher. While still unknown whether the risk is caused by preeclampsia or if the woman was already predisposed, these risks first emerge in the years following a complicated pregnancy. Although this may seem daunting, ample research shows that there are many ways for women to protect their heart health and that of their families!

This research does not mean you will definitely develop heart problems if you had preeclampsia, but for some women pregnancy can serve as an early warning sign for future heart disease. This kind of “heads up” gives you an opportunity to make changes now for a healthier tomorrow – and reap the benefits today, too! Read more here.

Some studies suggest, babies born from preeclamptic pregnancies have a higher risk of developing hypertension, coronary artery disease, and other chronic illnesses in adult life. These risks are especially true among babies who were delivered at term.