Description
Preeclampsia is high blood pressure and protein in the urine after the 20th week of pregnancy. It can be mild or severe, but the only treatment is to deliver the baby.
What to Expect
If you are past 37 weeks and your blood pressure is moderately elevated, your health care provider will likely advise you to deliver early. This may involve getting medicines to start (induce) labor or having a cesarean birth (C-section).
If you are less than 37 weeks pregnant, the goal is to prolong your pregnancy as long as it is safe. Doing so allows your baby to develop longer inside of you.
- If your preeclampsia is severe, you may need to stay in the hospital to be monitored closely.
- If your preeclampsia is mild, you may be able to stay at home on bed rest. You will need to have frequent checkups and tests.