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Preeclampsia is high blood pressure in pregnant women. If you are pregnant and have been experiencing problems with a racing heart and/or headaches, you could have the beginning of high blood pressure and this could lead to preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a serious health condition found in some pregnant women.

A pregnant woman's blood pressure goes up, they retain water, and protein can be found in the urine. Another name for preeclampsia is toxemia or pregnancy induced hypertension. Preeclampsia can be life threatening for both the mother and the fetus. If you are concerned that you might be at risk for this condition you should discuss it with your doctor. The more you know about this condition the more that you will be able to prevent it and/or help to alleviate the symptoms if you do have it. The precise cause of preeclampsia is unknown.

And just as the cause for preeclampsia is unknown, there is no guaranteed way of preventing preeclampsia either. However, some of the factors that contribute to high blood pressure can be treated. The most important thing is to follow your doctor's advice about diet and exercise.

Other things that you can do to help reduce or that can help in preventing preeclampsia include:

Lots of rest
Little or no salt
Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water per day
Exercise regularly
Elevate your feet as often as possible throughout the day
Don't drink beverages that have caffeine in them

Treatment for preeclampsia

Treatment for preeclampsia will depend on how close to your due date that you are and how far along your baby has developed. If your baby is not fully developed your doctor may recommend the following:

Lots of rest, concentrate on lying on your left side so that your weight, the baby, is off your major blood vessels
More doctor visits
Less or no salt
Drink lots and lots of water

If you are experiencing severe preeclampsia you may be put on blood pressure medication until you are far enough along to deliver your baby safely. Your doctor will take the health and well-being of you and your baby in determining what treatment options that are available to you.

Learn more about this author, Brenda Segna.
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