Preeclampsia

University of Rochester Medicine experts create personalized treatment plans that prioritize both maternal and fetal health. Our goal is to prepare and inform you through every step of your journey.

How is Preeclampsia Diagnosed?

Our high-risk pregnancy specialists use comprehensive diagnostic approaches:

• Blood pressure monitoring at each prenatal visit and between visits when symptoms arise
• Urine tests to check for protein levels
• Blood tests to assess:
  • Kidney function (creatinine levels)
  • Liver function (liver enzyme levels)
  • Platelet count
  • Blood clotting factors
• Fetal ultrasound to monitor baby's growth and amniotic fluid levels
• Nonstress test or biophysical profile to check baby's heart rate and movement
• Doppler ultrasound to evaluate blood flow to the placenta

How is Preeclampsia Treated?

Treatment for preeclampsia depends on the severity of your condition and how far you are in your pregnancy.

Monitoring & Management

For non-severe preeclampsia, your care may include:

• Frequent prenatal visits for close monitoring
• Blood pressure checks at home and in the office
• Regular blood and urine tests
• Fetal monitoring to track your baby's wellbeing
• Activity modification including bed rest when appropriate

For severe preeclampsia, you will likely need to be admitted to the hospital.

Medications

• Antihypertensive medications to manage blood pressure
• Corticosteroids to help mature your baby's lungs if early delivery is anticipated
• Magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures in severe cases
• Anticonvulsants if eclampsia develops

Delivery

The only cure for preeclampsia is delivery of the baby. Your care team will determine the best time for delivery:

• Severity of your condition
• Your baby's gestational age and development
• Response to treatment
• Fetal wellbeing

For severe preeclampsia or complications, delivery may be recommended even if your baby is premature. Our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) provides expert care for premature infants.

Our multidisciplinary, high-risk obstetrics team has the clinical training and expertise to diagnose and treat preeclampsia. Our collaborative healthcare model ensures you are seen by the top experts and technicians from across our integrative health system.

Advanced technologies, experience in complex pregnancies, and the largest team of board-certified maternal-fetal medicine specialists make us Upstate New York’s leader in maternal and fetal health.

We specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of medical issues in pregnancy and concerns with fetal health and development. This expertise enables our physicians to focus on improved outcomes for both pregnant person and baby.