Preeclampsia is a condition that can happen during pregnancy, usually after 20 weeks. It is marked by high blood pressure and signs of organ damage, like having protein in the urine. Preeclampsia can be serious for both mother and baby and needs prompt medical attention.
Preventing preeclampsia is important because it can lead to problems like giving birth too early, low birth weight, organ damage and strokes. Sometimes, if preeclampsia is severe, early delivery may be necessary. Stopping or slowing down preeclampsia can help both mom and baby stay healthy.
Preeclampsia can have specific symptoms. These are the signs you need to pay attention to:
- High blood pressure that gets worse
- Protein in your urine (this is checked by your doctor)
- Severe headaches
- Changes in vision (such as blurry vision or light sensitivity)
- Pain on the right side under your ribs
- Trouble breathing
- Sudden swelling in your face or hands
If you notice any of these symptoms, call your obstetrician (OB), a doctor that works in prenatal care, pregnancy, labor and postpartum care, or go to the hospital right away.
Some women are at a higher risk for preeclampsia than others. You might be at higher risk for preeclampsia if you have:
- High blood pressure before getting pregnant
- More than one baby (like twins or triplets)
- Diabetes
- Weight issues (overweight or obese)
- An age over 35
- Kidney problems
- Autoimmune diseases (like lupus)
- A history of preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy
- Family history (like a mom or sister who had it)
- A long gap (more than 10 years) between pregnancies
- Stress from ongoing experience of racism
For women who are considered high risk, taking low-dose aspirin (81 mg daily) can help prevent or delay preeclampsia. Your OB will check your health and tell you if taking aspirin is right for you. Your OB will look at your medical history and your current health to see if it is safe for you.
It's best to start taking low-dose aspirin between 12 to 28 weeks of pregnancy, ideally before 16 weeks, and continue until delivery. Always do this under your doctor’s guidance. Never start taking low-dose aspirin on your own.
Members of Aetna Better Health® of Illinois have access to tools to help prevent preeclampsia or catch it early.
- No-cost home blood pressure monitor: The CDC says it's good to check your blood pressure regularly during pregnancy to catch problems early. Pregnant members can get a free home blood pressure monitor. Just call Member Services at 1-866-329-4701 (TTY:711).
- Care Management: Our care managers can help you understand your risks, set up prenatal care and find community resources.
- CVS® OTC Rewards: Your household receives $25 a month in over the counter (OTC) benefits. If your OB says you should take low-dose aspirin, you can use OTC rewards to buy 81 mg aspirin.
Low-dose aspirin is a safe way to help lower the risk of preeclampsia for women at higher risk when used with your OB’s guidance. If you’re pregnant and think you might be at risk, talk to your doctor early. We’re here to support you with blood pressure monitors, case management and benefits to help ensure a safe pregnancy. Together we can help ensure a healthy journey to motherhood.