Maternal Fetal Care for Preeclampsia in Southern California
High blood pressure, swelling, and protein in the urine are three hallmark signs of preeclampsia, a potentially life-threatening condition during pregnancy. Preeclampsia is usually not diagnosed until after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Highly skilled Dignity Health Southern California obstetricians treat all types of maternal conditions. Use our Find a Doctor tool today to meet with a specialist in high-risk pregnancy and preeclampsia in Long Beach, Northridge, Downtown LA, Glendale, and San Bernardino. Protect your baby’s health, as well as your own, at one of our convenient locations today.
Understanding Preeclampsia Symptoms
The three major signs of preeclampsia are high blood pressure, proteinuria (too much protein in the urine), and edema, or swelling in the hands and face. High blood pressure is blood pressure greater than 140/90, especially in women who usually have normal blood pressure (lower than 120/80).
Other symptoms of preeclampsia we often see at Dignity Health Southern California Hospitals include:
- Headache
- Vision problems, such as blurred vision, light sensitivity, or temporary loss of vision
- Pain in the upper abdomen
Preeclampsia Causes
Factors known to increase a woman’s risk of preeclampsia include:
- History of consistently high blood pressure
- History of kidney disease, diabetes, lupus, or blood clotting disorders
- Preeclampsia with previous pregnancy
- First-time pregnancy
- Multiple gestation, such as twins or triplets
- Age older than 40
- Obesity
Because women without any risk factors can also develop preeclampsia, our experienced doctors carefully monitor the blood pressure and urine of all pregnant women.
Preeclampsia Treatment at Dignity Health Southern California Hospitals
Our doctors and nurses in Baby and Family Services have trusted experience and expertise in preeclampsia treatment. Your personalized treatment will depend on the timing of your preeclampsia diagnosis.
Preeclampsia symptoms go away within six weeks of giving birth. If you develop preeclampsia at or after 37 weeks of pregnancy, your doctor will be more likely to induce labor and delivery. If you are fewer than 37 weeks pregnant, your doctor will try to give the baby extra time to develop in the womb.
For severe preeclampsia, you will need continuous care in our hospital. Even if your baby is born premature, Dignity Health Southern California has specialized neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) to care for your baby.
If you have questions or concerns about maternity care, prenatal testing, and fetal conditions, please get in touch with a Dignity Health Southern California location near you.
Expect excellence from the leaders in high-quality maternity care and treatment for preeclampsia in Southern California at Dignity Health.