The definition of this disease can vary wildly, but in a nutshell it is when a pregnant woman suddenly develops high blood pressure, possible swelling, and protein in her urine.   The symptoms are treatable, but the only cure is to deliver the baby.   

 

Some of the risk factors for developing pre-eclampsia are age (women in their teens and over 40), women who are overweight, or have hypertension or diabetes. Preeclampsia is also more common in first pregnancies.  I had none of these risk factors though, and still developed a severe form of it, so it can strike anyone!

 

Once a woman is diagnosed, the doctor will keep track of the symptoms mentioned above, and the woman will most likely be put on bedrest until the symptoms are under control.  

 

If her symptoms cannot be controlled or continue to worsen, then her baby will be delivered immediately.

Being diagnosed with Pre-eclampsia is often very stressing to the mom, and can be very life-threatening for both mother and baby, depending on how early the symptoms start.

 

I am no expert on this disease, but because I went through this with both my pregnancies (luckily ending in two healthy beautiful girls), I have researched and found many helpful sites that give excellent information, and forums where you can go and chat or find out first-hand information from other women who have gone through this experience also.

 

Please feel free to look through these sites, and please pass them on to any woman you know in your life who is pregnant, so that she may be more aware of what signs to watch out for in her own pregnancy.