Holly's Story - High Blood Pressure and Preeclampsia

After delivering a previous baby at 28 weeks because of severe preeclampsia, Holly knew from the beginning of her pregnancy that she needed the support of a maternal-fetal specialist. (Her older child, born at 1 pound 9 ounces, is a healthy 7 year-old today.)
She turned to the High Risk Pregnancy when she was four weeks pregnant and was put on daily shots of heparin, which she administered herself for the remainder of her pregnancy and for five weeks following delivery. Because of our careful monitoring and management of her blood pressure, Holly went full term without any complications and delivered a healthy baby boy, Wyatt, at 38 weeks.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, during pregnancy can cause premature labor and the complications that come with it. It can also lead to eclampsia, a condition that can threaten the lives of both the mother and baby if left untreated. Anyone who has pre-existing or chronic high blood pressure, has had preeclampsia during a previous pregnancy or who is obese or over 35 should seek pre-pregnancy counseling to ensure that they understand the risks and get the help they need once they conceive. A high-risk pregnancy specialist can provide treatment and monitor the mother's blood pressure as well as fetal development to ensure the healthiest pregnancy possible.