How to Treat Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia, a common complication of pregnancy, causes high blood pressure for the mother and a reduction in blood flow to the baby and placenta. For most women, preeclampsia doesn't cause severe problems. However, if untreated, preeclampsia can have fatal side effects for both the baby and the mother. Here's how to treat preeclampsia.

Instructions

    • 1

      Allow frequent monitoring of both you and your baby by your doctor. When a woman has been diagnosed with preeclampsia, it's very important to monitor the situation closely. Monitoring includes frequent ultrasounds, biophysical profiles, non-stress tests, blood pressure checks, weigh-ins for the mom and checking the amount of protein present in the mom's urine.

    • 2

      Go on bed rest, either at home or in the hospital, if it's too early to deliver the baby. For mild cases of preeclampsia, bed rest at home can be indicated. Bed rest helps increase blood flow to the baby and helps lower the mom's blood pressure. In cases of severe preeclampsia, bed rest at the hospital is likely. Being at the hospital can allow for closer monitoring of both the mom and the baby.

    • 3

      Take medications prior to delivery to help with preeclampsia. Corticosteroids can help mature the baby's lungs in case early delivery occurs. Taking drugs, such as hydralazine, can help lower the mom's blood pressure and prevent preeclampsia from progressing. Your personal doctor will know which medications are best for you and your baby.

    • 4

      Deliver the baby. Delivery is the only real cure for preeclampsia. If the baby is at or near full term and a woman is diagnosed with preeclampsia, labor may be immediately induced or a caesarean section scheduled. If it's too early to deliver the baby, doctors may try to hold off delivery using the other treatments described in this article until delivery is absolutely necessitated.

    • 5

      Use the drug magnesium sulfate during labor and delivery. For women with preeclampsia, magnesium sulfate can help prevent seizures in the mom during delivery and help increase blood flow to the baby and the placenta. IVs are often used to administer magnesium sulfate to the mom during delivery.

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