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Symptoms of High Blood pressure during Pregnancy Preeclampsia symptoms
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The severity of pre-eclampsia (High Blood Pressure in
Pregnancy) is usually (but not always) related to the blood pressure level. You may have no
symptoms at first, or if you have only mildly raised blood pressure and a small amount of leaked
protein in your urine. The signs of preeclampsia are elevated blood pressure (hypertension) and the
presence of excess protein in your urine (proteinuria) after 20 weeks of pregnancy. The excess
protein is related to problems with your kidneys. Your doctor may identify these signs of
preeclampsia at one of your regular prenatal visits.
High blood pressure and protein in urine are two main symptoms and signs of pre-eclamsia. Other
signs and symptoms of preeclampsia — which can develop gradually or strike suddenly, often in the
last few weeks of pregnancy — may include:
Proteinuria
Sudden Weight Gain
Headache
Nausea or Vomiting
Changes in Vision, blurred vision
Racing pulse, mental confusion, heightened anxiety, trouble catching your breath
Abdominal (tummy) stomach pain. The pain that occurs with pre-eclampsia (High Blood Pressure in
Pregnancy) tends to be mainly in the upper part of the abdomen, just under the
ribs.
Lower back pain
Hyperreflexia
Swelling or puffiness of your feet, face, or hands (oedema)
is also a symptom of pre-eclampsia (High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy). However, this is common
in normal pregnancy. Most women with this symptom do not have pre-eclampsia (High Blood Pressure
in Pregnancy), but it can become worse in pre-eclampsia (High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy).
Therefore, report any sudden worsening of swelling of the hands, face or feet promptly to your
doctor or midwife.
Regular checks may be all that you need if pre-eclampsia (High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy) remains
relatively mild. If pre-eclampsia (High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy) becomes worse, you are likely
to be admitted to hospital. Tests may be done to check on your well-being, and that of your baby.
For example, blood tests to check on the function of your liver and kidneys. Also, an ultrasound
scan is usual to see how well your baby is growing.
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