This condition develops in the late second or third trimester of pregnancy and is because of high blood pressure and excess protein in the urine. Symptoms of this condition include swelling in the hands and face and abrupt weight gain of more than 2 pounds in a week. During a routine checkup your doctor will check your blood pressure and may order blood and urine tests. The presence of protein in the urine, higher liver enzyme level and platelet count less than 100,000 indicates preeclampsia. A blood pressure reading in excess of 140/90 mm/ Hg is abnormal in pregnancy. Your doctor may also recommend an ultrasound with a nonstress test to know more about your baby's movement in the uterus. Depending on the results of these tests your doctor will decide whether your baby needs to be delivered right away.
preeclampsia
