What Is Preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is a serious problem caused by high blood pressure. It can happen any time during pregnancy or up to 6 weeks after your baby is born. If not treated, it can be dangerous for you and your baby.
What Is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure means the blood in your body is pushing too hard against your blood vessels. It can hurt your heart and other parts of your body.
It Can Be Dangerous:
- For mom: Seizures, stroke, damage to organs, death
- For baby: Low weight, born too early, problems growing, stillbirth
Warning Signs: Call your doctor or go to the ER if you have:
- Swollen face or hands
- Headache that won’t go away
- Blurry vision or seeing spots
- Pain in upper belly or under ribs
- Nausea or throwing up
- Fast weight gain
- Trouble breathing
- Heartburn that won’t go away
- Peeing less or not at all
- Chest pain
- Feeling dizzy or confused
Why Would I Wear a Blue ECLAMPSIA | STROKE RISK band?
Your doctor may recommend you wear the blue ECLAMPSIA | STROKE RISK wrist band because:
- You had high blood pressure while you were pregnant or after you had your baby.
- Your doctor told you that you have high blood pressure (also called hypertension), preeclampsia, or eclampsia.
- For your safety, please wear the blue ECLAMPSIA | STROKE RISK band and carry your wallet card until 6 weeks after your baby is born or until your doctor says you can remove it. This helps doctors give you care quickly if needed.
BlueECLAMPSIA | STROKE RISK bands are provided in the Family Birth Center at Astria Sunnyside Hospital. Your doctor will refer you to the hospital for education, a wrist band, wallet cards, or more. If you do have a history of high blood pressure and are concerned about your risk of developing preeclampsia, check with your primary care provider or OBGyn. For more information about the blue band program or to schedule an appointment, call 509.837.1345.
Go to the Emergency Room if:
- Blood pressure is 140/90 or higher after two consecutive readings, 15 minutes apart
- You feel dizzy, sick, or throw up
- You gain 2 to 5 pounds in one week
- You stop peeing
- Your hands, face, or legs swell
- Baby is not moving as much
- Headache that doesn’t stop
Call 911 for a Medical Emergency if:
- Blood pressure is 160/110 or higher after two consecutive readings, 15 minutes apart
- You can’t breathe
- Pain in upper belly, ribs, or shoulder
- You stop peeing
- Bad headache that won’t go away
- Blurry vision, spots, or flashing lights
- Heartburn that won’t go away
