Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which doctor should I consult for the problem of hypertension during pregnancy?

You can consult an obstetrician.

2. Does high blood pressure mean I have pre-eclampsia?

Not necessarily. In addition to high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia often has two more related problems, protein in the urine and excessive swelling of the body, especially the lower limbs. Many women with high blood pressure during pregnancy do not have protein in their urine or extreme swelling, and do not get pre-eclampsia.

3. Does swelling mean I have pre-eclampsia?

Swelling alone does not necessarily mean you have pre-eclampsia. Some swelling is normal during pregnancy. Swelling is considered serious if it does not go away after resting.

4. Can pre-eclampsia be prevented?

Although there are currently no known preventive methods, it is important for all pregnant women to obtain early and ongoing antenatal care. This allows early recognition and treatment of conditions such as pre-eclampsia.

Published on Sep 23, 2014
Last Updated on Sep 23, 2014

papandreas Thursday, August 5, 2010

In the 2,000 years that preeclampsia has existed, never has there been a book to address the disease from a parents point of view - until now. A Mom and Dad's Guide to Preeclampsia is the 1st book of its kind to help expectant parents through their struggle with preeclampsia.

My name is David Papandreas and I conceived a Mom and Dad's Guide to Preeclampsia while my incredible wife and I found ourselves searching helplessly on the internet for what to expect. It was amazing that the websites only discussed the characteristics that define preeclampsia and offer no practical knowledge. Pregnant with our first child, we were scared not knowing what this meant and how we would react to the diagnosis.

Now, 9 months after our baby was born happy, healthy, and whole, we want to share our story and inspire the 400,000 pregnant ladies every year in the U.S. that develop preeclampsia. The book features useful tips, strategies and real stories to help others deal with the condition.

Canary11 Thursday, April 2, 2009

My sister, two aunts, and two cousins all had eclampsia. My cousin died of it. Would it be best if I did not get pregnant, since I am probably at high risk?