Understanding Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia and High Blood Pressure

During and after pregnancy, it’s crucial to prioritize your health and your baby’s well-being by understanding the risks associated with preeclampsia. Your care team at Cheyenne Regional is dedicated to supporting you with early detection and personalized treatment plans to help ensure a safe pregnancy and recovery.

What is Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a serious condition that can develop during pregnancy, typically after the 20th week, or even up to six weeks postpartum. This complication can pose risks to both the mother and baby, making early detection and management vital.

Preeclampsia leads to high blood pressure and can impact various organs, including the liver, kidneys, lungs and the blood’s ability to clot. In severe cases, it may also affect the brain, potentially causing seizures (eclampsia) or strokes, which can be life-threatening.

How Preeclampsia Impacts Your Baby

Preeclampsia can limit the oxygen and nutrients your baby receives in the womb, increasing the risk of complications such as preterm birth and low birth weight. In severe cases, it can pose significant risks to the baby’s health and survival.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Preeclampsia
One of the challenges of preeclampsia is that it often develops silently, with symptoms that can be mistaken for normal pregnancy changes. Keep an eye out for the following warning signs:
  • Persistent headache
  • Vision disturbances or seeing spots
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Pain in the upper right abdomen
  • Swelling, particularly in the face or hands
  • Rapid weight gain
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Chest pain
  • Confusion or disorientation
  • High blood pressure (often unnoticed without regular monitoring)

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Risk Factors and Preventative Measures
Certain factors may increase your risk for developing preeclampsia, including:
  • Being over 35 years old
  • BMI over 35
  • Previous history of preeclampsia
  • Family history of the condition
  • Chronic high blood pressure
  • Carrying multiples
  • History of kidney disease
  • Conditions like diabetes or autoimmune disorders
  • First-time pregnancy
  • Use of fertility treatments

Your care team will monitor you closely if you have these risk factors, which may include frequent blood pressure checks, lab tests for blood and urine or starting a low-dose aspirin regimen to reduce the risk. Ultrasounds may also be performed to ensure the baby’s health and development.

Treating Preeclampsia
The goal of preeclampsia treatment is to manage symptoms and avoid complications while helping you carry your baby to term. Treatment options may include:
  • Frequent monitoring of blood pressure and lab tests
  • Medication to manage high blood pressure and prevent seizures
  • Hospitalization for closer observation
  • Early delivery if necessary
  • Comprehensive postpartum follow-up care

With proper care and monitoring, preeclampsia can be managed effectively to protect both you and your baby during pregnancy and beyond.

Wearing a Blue Band

The Blue Band Initiative at Cheyenne Regional is designed to help healthcare providers quickly recognize patients at risk for pre-eclampsia. If you are identified as being at risk, wearing a blue medical wristband throughout your pregnancy and postpartum period serves as an important reminder to your care team and supports the safety of both you and your baby.

Here’s what you should do:
  • Keep your blue wristband on until your care team removes it or advises you that it is no longer needed.
  • Take all prescribed medications exactly as directed by your healthcare provider.
  • Follow the instructions provided to you at discharge carefully.
  • Be vigilant for warning signs of preeclampsia during pregnancy and after delivery.
  • Attend all prenatal appointments as scheduled.
  • Schedule and attend your first postpartum follow-up visit 2–5 days after being discharged from the hospital.
  • Continue attending future follow-up appointments, even if you feel fine.
Long-Term Health Considerations After Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is not just a short-term concern; it can have lasting effects on your health. Women who experience preeclampsia have an increased risk of developing heart disease and high blood pressure later in life. Additionally, the condition raises the likelihood of experiencing preeclampsia in subsequent pregnancies. Understanding these risks allows you and your healthcare providers to make informed decisions and take proactive steps to protect your long-term health.

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