What Is Preeclampsia? Preeclampsia, formerly called toxemia, happens when you're pregnant and have high blood pressure, too much protein in your pee, and swelling in your legs, feet, and hands. It can range from mild to severe. It usually happens late in pregnancy, though it can come earlier or after delivery. The only cure for preeclampsia is to give birth. Even after delivery, symptoms of preeclampsia can last 6 weeks or more. You can help protect yourself by learning the symptoms of preeclampsia and by seeing your doctor for regular prenatal care. Catching preeclampsia early may lower the chances of long-term problems for both mom and baby. What Is Postpartum Preeclampsia? : This is a rare condition that can happen when you have high blood pressure and too much protein in your pee after giving birth. When this happens, it's usually within 48 hours of childbirth. But it can happen 6 weeks or later after childbirth. This is known as late postpartum preeclampsia. Immediate medical treatment is needed for postpartum preeclampsia. It can cause seizures or other serious issues if not treated quickly.

Preeclampsia vs. Eclampsia: Preeclampsia can lead to eclampsia, a serious condition that can have health risks for mom and baby and, in rare cases, cause death. If your preeclampsia leads to seizures, you have eclampsia. Preeclampsia Symptoms In addition to swelling (also called edema), extra protein in your pee, and blood pressure over 140/90, preeclampsia symptoms include Sudden weight gain over 1 or 2 days because of a large increase in bodily fluid Shoulder pain Belly pain, especially in the upper right side Severe headaches Change in reflexes or mental state Peeing less or not at all Dizziness Trouble breathing Severe vomiting and nausea Vision changes like flashing lights, floaters, or blurry vision. Still, you may have preeclampsia and no symptoms, so it’s important to see your doctor for regular blood pressure checks and urine tests.

Preeclampsia Treatment: The only cure for preeclampsia and eclampsia is to give birth. Your doctor will talk with you about when to deliver based on how far along your baby is, how well your baby is doing in your womb, and the severity of your preeclampsia. If your baby has developed well, usually by 37 weeks or later, your doctor may want to induce labor or do a cesarean section. This will keep preeclampsia from getting worse. If your baby isn’t close to term, you and your doctor may be able to treat mild preeclampsia until your baby has developed enough to be safely delivered. The closer the birth is to your due date, the better it is for your baby.

Article quoted from: https://www.webmd.com/