Home Health Center Preeclampsia   Do You Have Preeclampsia - Diagnosis & Tests

Diagnosis of Preeclampsia

 If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of preeclampsia, visit and discuss your condition with your doctor or obstetrician immediately. During your consultation, your doctor will perform a physical exam to check for swelling in the hands and face, a blood pressure reading higher than 140/90 mm/Hg, and above normal weight gain. In addition to these findings, he may also order a blood test and a prolonged urine tests to determine whether there is protein in the urine, a platelet count lower than 100,000 and liver enzyme count higher than normal. Tests for preeclampsia may also include checks on how well your blood clots and to monitor the fetus’ health and progress. In case, the condition is severe, an ultrasound and a non stress tests will help your doctor decide if the baby is in distress and whether delivery needs to be immediate.

A diagnosis of preeclampsia is usually positive if blood pressure levels are high and there is protein in your urine. However, a single high blood pressure reading is not enough to diagnose preeclampsia. After the initial reading, your numbers will be monitored closely, and if another reading taken six hours later is still high, it may confirm the development of preeclampsia. There may be other markers in your blood tests that indicate signs of preeclampsia as well. It is very important to have regular check ups and prenatal screenings before and during your pregnancy as early detection of symptoms results in more effective treatment and quicker recovery. 

Frequently asked questions

• What Is Preeclampsia And A Possible Cure?
• Any Treatment For High BP When Pregnant?

References

1. Trends in Fetal and Infant Survival Following Preeclampsia, Olga Basso, Svein Rasmussen, Clarice R. Weinberg, Allen J. Wilcox, Lorentz M. Irgens, Rolv Skjaerven; JAMA. 2006;296(11):1357-1362.doi:10.1001/jama.296.11.1357
   
2. Barrier Contraceptive Methods and Preeclampsia, James L. Mills, Mark A. Klebanoff, Barry I. I. Graubard, J. Christopher Carey, Heinz W. Berendes; JAMA. 1991;265(1):70-73.doi:10.1001/jama.1991.03460010070033