Risks and Warning Signs

Have you experienced any of the following medical complications during pregnancy?

Preeclampsia

This condition generally occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy and is marked by a sudden increase in blood pressure (>140/90 mm Hg) and protein in the urine. Preeclampsia warning signs include:

  • High blood pressure
  • Protein in the urine
  • Sudden weight gain
  • Headaches
  • Swelling of the face or hands
  • Blurred or altered vision
  • Chest pain
  • Pain in the upper right abdomen area
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Breathing with difficulty, gasping or panting

 

Gestational hypertension (also referred to as pregnancy induced hypertension)

After week 20 in pregnancy a woman develops high blood pressure (>140/90 mm Hg) which goes away after delivery. Women who may have an increased risk of developing gestational hypertension:

  • First-time moms
  • Women whose sisters and mothers had pregnancy induced hypertension
  • Women carrying multiples
  • Women younger than age 20 or older than age 40
  • Women who had high blood pressure or kidney disease prior to pregnancy

 

Gestational diabetes?

This condition results in a woman without diabetes develops high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. You're more likely to develop gestational diabetes if you:

  • are age 25 or older
  • have a close relative who has diabetes
  • are overweight, especially if your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or higher
  • have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
  • have a medical condition that makes diabetes more likely, such as glucose intolerance
  • take certain medications like glucocorticoids (for asthma or an autoimmune disease), beta-blockers (for high blood pressure or a rapid heart rate), or antipsychotic drugs (for mental health problems)
  • have had gestational diabetes before
  • have had a big baby before (macrosomia)
  • are African American, Native American, Asian American, Hispanic, or Pacific Islander

If you had any of the pregnancy related conditions below contact us.  We can work together to reduce your risk of future cardiovascular disease and its risk factors. Check out some of our results!

 

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