I Had ‘Scary’ Preeclampsia — Here’s What Other Moms Should Know
A Bronx Mom’s Journey
Amanda Perez is hoping to sleep in on Sunday for Mother’s Day — but she knows that’s not likely with two boys under 2. Perez’s sons are 22 months apart, but her pregnancies were worlds apart. Her first one was “terrifying” because she was diagnosed with preeclampsia, a serious condition that’s responsible for over 70,000 maternal deaths and 500,000 fetal deaths around the world each year.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Perez was diagnosed with preeclampsia before welcoming Lucas. She credits NYU Langone’s Postpartum Cardiovascular Health Program, a Manhattan-based partnership of cardiology and maternal–fetal medicine, with safely guiding her through both pregnancies and kick-starting her healthier lifestyle.
What is Preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is a condition that typically develops in the second half of pregnancy, characterized by high blood pressure and damage to organs such as the kidneys and liver. The exact cause of preeclampsia is not known, but it’s thought to be tied to problems with the placenta.
Risk Factors
Diabetes, obesity, advanced maternal age, and a family history of preeclampsia are among the risk factors — though there’s no absolute way to prevent the condition. A healthy diet can help reduce the risk, but once diagnosed, medication may be prescribed for severe cases.
Treatment and Recovery
Treatment involves managing the condition until a healthy baby can be delivered — which can be challenging depending on how early and how severe the case is. Although the condition eventually resolves after birth, doctors will continue to monitor the mother’s blood pressure and other factors for weeks or longer postpartum. And, as Dr. Penfield noted, long-term health issues can persist years later.
A Second Chance
Perez was better prepared for her second pregnancy. Her blood pressure was down, she had lost weight, she had been walking more, and she had been ditching salty foods in favor of fish and vegetables after meeting with an NYU Langone nutritionist.
NYU Langone’s Postpartum Cardiovascular Health Program
The NYU Langone initiative, which began in earnest in 2022, focuses on identifying women at high risk for cardiovascular disease early in their pregnancy, closely monitoring them during the pregnancy and several months postpartum, and developing a plan to keep their heart strong for years to come.
Conclusion
Perez’s care team got her blood pressure under control and monitored her vital signs, bloodwork, and urine through regular visits. She was diagnosed with preeclampsia around 28 weeks, after protein was discovered in her urine. Penfield recommended Perez deliver at 37 weeks.
FAQs
Q: What is preeclampsia?
A: Preeclampsia is a condition that typically develops in the second half of pregnancy, characterized by high blood pressure and damage to organs such as the kidneys and liver.
Q: What are the risk factors for preeclampsia?
A: Diabetes, obesity, advanced maternal age, and a family history of preeclampsia are among the risk factors — though there’s no absolute way to prevent the condition.
Q: How is preeclampsia treated?
A: Treatment involves managing the condition until a healthy baby can be delivered — which can be challenging depending on how early and how severe the case is.
Q: Can preeclampsia be prevented?
A: A healthy diet can help reduce the risk, but once diagnosed, medication may be prescribed for severe cases.
Q: What is the NYU Langone Postpartum Cardiovascular Health Program?
A: The NYU Langone initiative focuses on identifying women at high risk for cardiovascular disease early in their pregnancy, closely monitoring them during the pregnancy and several months postpartum, and developing a plan to keep their heart strong for years to come.
