Preeclampsia
Key points about treatments
Preeclampsia is an illness that happens only in pregnancy. It usually starts with high blood pressure. Preeclampsia can be so mild that you feel fine. But it can get severe enough to make you and your baby very ill.
If you are pregnant, finding out that you have
high blood pressure or preeclampsia can be frightening. But there are treatments that can help keep you well. And if you are at risk for preeclampsia, there are also treatments that can help prevent it.
high blood pressure
Your blood pressure is considered to be high when it is above the accepted normal range. The usual limit for normal blood pressure is 140/90. If either the first (systolic) number is above 140 or the lower (diastolic) number is above 90, a person is considered to have high blood pressure. Doctors sometimes call high blood pressure "hypertension."
Your blood pressure is considered to be high when it is above the accepted normal range. The usual limit for normal blood pressure is 140/90. If either the first (systolic) number is above 140 or the lower (diastolic) number is above 90, a person is considered to have high blood pressure. Doctors sometimes call high blood pressure "hypertension."
You can get some of these treatments over the counter. But always check with your doctor before you start taking anything
new when you are pregnant. Your doctor can tell you if it is safe for you and your baby.
- If you are at risk of preeclampsia, taking a small dose of aspirin every day during pregnancy can help stop you from getting it.
- Taking calcium pills every day also can lower your risk.
- If your
blood pressure
Blood pressure is the amount of force exerted by the blood on the walls of the vessels that carry it. You can think of it like the water pressure in your home: the more pressure you have, the faster and more forcefully the water flows out of the shower. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (written as mm Hg). When your blood pressure is taken, the measurement is given as two numbers, for example 120/80 mm Hg. The first, higher, number is called the systolic pressure, and the second, lower, number is the diastolic pressure. The systolic number is the highest pressure that occurs while the heart is pushing blood into the arteries. The diastolic number is the lowest pressure that happens when the heart is relaxing and is not pushing the blood.blood pressure gets very high, there are drugs that can bring it down. - If you have severe preeclampsia, a drug called magnesium sulfate can help stop you from having
seizure
A seizure is a sudden spasm of muscles caused by too much electrical activity in the brain. It results in muscle twitching and other symptoms.seizures. - And if you have already had one seizure, magnesium sulfate can lower your risk of having more.
This information was last updated on Apr 14, 2009
This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.
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Source: ConsumerReportsHealth.org Copyright © 2005-2008 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.
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