Worried about Preeclampsia

By Dr. Gerard M. DiLeo

Q: I am 34 weeks pregnant. This is my second baby; my first had to be delivered at 35 weeks due to pre-eclampsia. I was hospitalized last week for seeing bright white spots, and because my blood pressure had risen twelve times in the past five days to the bottom number in the 90-100's range. A 24-hour urine was collected, and my doctor sent me home after the results came back OK. My blood pressure rises with any activity I undertake, but goes back to normal with rest. I am very swollen. Am I in danger?

A: It certainly would be reasonable to put you into a high risk category, and you're certainly at higher risk than the general population for having had another baby early due to preeclampsia. It is true that activity isn't good for preeclampsia, so the more peace and quiet-and bedrest-the better. Your doctor will monitor you with 24-hour urine tests, and will watch your baby with non-stress testing. The good news is that you're far enough along that even if the worst were to happen and you had to deliver within the next two weeks, your baby should do fine. Good luck.

Dr. Gerard M. DiLeo

Obstetrics and Gynecology
Dr. Gerard M. DiLeo is a board certified obstetrician-gynecologist who has been in private practice since 1981 and has served as Chief of the Medical Staff at Lakeview Regional Medical Center in greater New Orleans. Dr. DiLeo's new book The Anxious Parents' Guide to Pregnancy is now available.

All articles by Dr. Gerard M. DiLeo