High blood pressure and excess protein in urine after 20 weeks of pregnancy can be a condition called preeclampsia. The only way to cure this condition is by delivering the baby. If treated, the woman and baby will be healthy. If left untreated, however; it can cause serious complications and even death.
The other three high blood pressure disorders during pregnancy are gestational diabetes, chronic hypertension and preeclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension.
Symptoms
Most often preeclampsia attacks suddenly after 20 weeks although it can develop gradually throughout the pregnancy. If blood pressure is normal before pregnancy, symptoms of preeclampsia can include:
- high blood pressure
- excess protein in urine
- decreased urine output
- sudden weight gain (two or more pounds per week)
- changes in vision (blurred and sensitive to light)
- severe headaches
- upper abdominal pain
- nausea and vomiting
- dizziness
Causes
According to the Mayo Clinic preeclampsia was once thought to be caused by a toxin in the woman's blood stream but this theory has been disproved. Researchers have not yet determined what causes preeclampsia, but possible causes do include:
- insufficient blood flow to the uterus
- damage to the blood vessels
- problem with the immune system
- poor diet
Risk Factors
Some risk factors of possible preeclampsia include:
- history of preeclampsia
- first pregnancy
- women younger than 20 and older than 40
- obesity
- multiple pregnancy
- prolonged interval between pregnancies
- gestational diabetes
- history of conditions, such as migraines, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes
- vitamin D deficiency
- high levels of certain proteins that interfere with the growth and function of blood vessels
Complications
Most women with preeclampsia successfully deliver a healthy baby, but there are some complications that could arise:
- lack of blood flow to the placenta
- placental abruption
- HELLP syndrome, which stands for hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells), elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count
- eclampsia, which can lead to coma, brain damage and death
- cardiovascular disease
Tests
Preeclampsia is usually discovered during a routine blood pressure check and urine test. If the doctor diagnoses a woman with preeclampsia, the doctor may order additional tests including:
- blood tests
- prolonged urine collection tests
- fetal ultrasounds
- nonstress test or biophysical test
Treatment and Prevention
The only way to get rid of preeclampsia is to deliver the baby, but the doctor may recommend other treatment, especially if it is still too early in the pregnancy to deliver. The doctor may give medication to help lower blood pressure or order bed rest.
During delivery, the doctor may give the woman magnesium sulfate intravenously to increase blood flow and prevent seizures. After delivery, the woman's blood pressure should return to normal within a few weeks.
There is no known way to prevent preeclampsia although some doctors may recommend taking vitamin D to lower the risk.
