High blood pressure is a serious national health problem. More than 35 million Americans--one out of six people--have high blood pressure. When a pregnant woman suffers from high blood pressure, it affects not only the woman, but also her baby.

"High blood pressure and protein in the urine are the prime indicators of preeclampsia," says Jennifer Niebyl, M.D., head of the UI Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Preeclampsia is a progressive disease, affecting women in the late second or third trimester of pregnancy. It and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are the leading global cause of maternal and infant illness and death.

Symptoms may include sudden weight gain, headaches, or changes in vision.

High blood pressure during pregnancy can decrease the blood and oxygen supply available to the mother and baby. In the mother, it can lead to kidney problems, seizures, and strokes. Babies may be born prematurely or have low birth weights.

Five to 10 out of 100 women will develop high blood pressure during their pregnancy. Certain women are at higher risk than others:

• • Women under age 17 and over age 35 with a first pregnancy
• • Women with a family history of hypertension, diabetes, or kidney disease
• • Women pregnant with twins or triplets
• • Women of African American heritage
• • Women who have poor diets and/or are overweight

For more information about preeclampsia, call UI Health Access, 319-384-8442, ext. 1003, or 800-777-8442, ext. 1003.