Use These Strategies to Reduce Your Risk of Preeclampsia

Ideally, every wanted pregnancy ends with a healthy baby born to healthy parents. However, during pregnancy, risk factors can threaten maternal and fetal health. That’s why it’s so important to seek top-quality OBGYN support throughout your pregnancy.

From Longoria OBGYN in El Paso, Texas, experienced OBGYN Dr. Leonardo A. Longoria and his team provide ongoing care to our patients who are on the pregnancy journey. One of the issues Dr. Longoria talks to you about during your pregnancy care is managing your risk of preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia is a complication that can start to pose risks about midway through your pregnancy, once you reach the 20-week mark. You may develop high blood pressure (hypertension) or show high levels of protein in your urine. The resulting stress on your heart and organs isn’t healthy for you or your baby. Here’s what you need to know about keeping your risks low.

Assessing your risk of preeclampsia

In risk reduction, it’s important to know where you stand. Do you have pre-existing health factors that could make you more prone to experiencing preeclampsia during your pregnancy?

We’re still learning more about the underlying causes of this condition, which only occurs during pregnancy. First-time mothers may have a higher risk for preeclampsia. Your risks may also be elevated if you:

• Have a personal history of high blood pressure or kidney disease
• Have a family history of preeclampsia
• Are living with diabetes or an autoimmune condition like lupus
• Are obese
• Are expecting multiple births

Stress can certainly cause blood pressure issues but isn’t a direct cause of preeclampsia. However, managing your stress levels during your pregnancy is beneficial for both you and your fetus.

Lowering your risk of preeclampsia

As many as 8% of deliveries around the world involve preeclampsia. This condition can cause premature birth. So, it’s worth taking time now to develop a plan for strategies to prevent this pregnancy complication.

Depending on your risk factors, you may need to:

• Put together a stress management plan
• Work on healthy weight loss
• Make sure your blood pressure and/or blood sugar stay in healthy ranges
• Reduce your salt and/or caffeine intake

Dr. Longoria recommends that mothers who want to prevent preeclampsia take a look at whole-body wellness, including mental and physical health. Eating well, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly help your body stay strong and healthy during pregnancy and can help reduce your risk of preeclampsia.

You may also benefit from taking baby aspirin daily, shown to reduce the risks of preeclampsia. Talk to Dr. Longoria about whether you should start a daily aspirin regimen during your pregnancy.

Preeclampsia symptoms to watch for

Preeclampsia can start earlier than 20 weeks into your pregnancy but is more common as you get nearer your delivery date. It’s most typical for preeclampsia to become an issue around 37 weeks gestation, when you’re almost ready for labor.

If you notice preeclampsia symptoms, get in touch with Dr. Longoria right away. Warning signs and symptoms of preeclampsia can include:

• High blood pressure
• Protein in your urine
• Swelling or weight gain related to retaining water
• Swelling in your face or hands, known as edema
• Headaches, blurry vision, or dark spots in your vision
• Increased light sensitivity
• Shortness of breath or pain in your right side and abdomen

Many people affected by preeclampsia don’t have any symptoms at all. That makes prenatal screening very important in preventing and treating preeclampsia.

For support with preeclampsia and other potential pregnancy complications, reach out to our team at Longoria OBGYN. Together we can plan the safest pregnancy and delivery for you and your baby. Schedule your appointment by calling our office today or requesting a visit online anytime.