Superimposed preeclampsia occurs when a person with high blood pressure during pregnancy develops preeclampsia.
Chronic hypertension affects 1% to 2% of pregnant people. Of these, about 20% develop superimposed preeclampsia.
People with preexisting chronic hypertension may develop more severe preeclampsia. The condition may progress to eclampsia, which can be life threatening.
Preeclampsia causes a sudden increase in blood pressure during pregnancy. Without treatment, the condition can lead to severe complications.
Chronic hypertension is the strongest risk factor for developing preeclampsia.
Many people who develop superimposed preeclampsia have high blood pressure before they become pregnant. In others, hypertension begins during early pregnancy.
There are various causes of chronic hypertension. According to 2022 research, a family history of the condition and lifestyle factors, such as obesity, cause chronic hypertension in 90% of people.
Experts do not know the precise causes of preeclampsia, but the condition most likely occurs when health problems affect the placenta, the organ that supplies blood to the fetus.
Chronic hypertension may decrease blood flow to the placenta, which
Read more about the risk factors of hypertension.
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Symptoms of superimposed preeclampsia may include:
- high blood pressure
- proteinuria, or protein in the urine
- vision problems, such as blurred or flashing vision
- severe headache
- pain below the ribs
- shortness of breath
- vomiting
Without treatment, preeclampsia can progress to eclampsia. This condition can cause seizures, which may be life threatening for the pregnant person and the fetus.
A person should seek immediate treatment if they experience any symptoms of preeclampsia.
Healthcare professionals monitor a person’s blood pressure during prenatal appointments. They may suggest more frequent check-ups for someone with chronic hypertension.
If a person has chronic hypertension, a doctor may perform the following tests:
- urine tests to determine if protein is present in the urine
- blood tests, including a complete blood count to test platelet levels and a comprehensive metabolic panel to detect kidney or liver problems
- ultrasound scans, which allow the doctor to monitor the growth and development of the fetus
Doctors cannot cure preeclampsia until a person delivers the baby. However, monitoring and treatment can help prevent severe, life threatening complications.
Treatment for chronic hypertension during pregnancy often includes medications to lower blood pressure. If necessary, a doctor may suggest a person switch to a medication that can safely treat hypertension during pregnancy.
According to research, the following medications for chronic hypertension are safe to use during pregnancy:
- labetalol (Trandate)
- nifedipine (Procardia, Procardia XL)
- methyldopa
For mild superimposed preeclampsia, a doctor may suggest:
- rest
- limited physical movement
- more frequent appointments
- regular blood pressure checks
For severe superimposed preeclampsia, a doctor may suggest hospitalization, where health professionals can monitor a person continuously.
Healthcare professionals may administer anticonvulsive medication, such as magnesium sulfate, to help prevent seizures. In some cases, doctors may also administer steroid injections to help the fetal lungs develop more quickly.
If the pregnancy is at
With treatment, most cases of preeclampsia do not result in complications, and symptoms typically resolve soon after delivery.
However, the following
- Eclampsia: Eclampsia can cause seizures that may be life threatening.
- HELLP syndrome: HELLP syndrome is a severe type of preeclampsia that can affect the liver, blood pressure, and blood.
- Stroke: A decrease in oxygen to the brain can cause stroke, which can be life threatening.
- Heart attack: Heart attacks occur when the blood supply cannot reach the heart muscle.
- Pulmonary edema: Pulmonary edema refers to fluid in the lungs. The condition is a medical emergency that affects the ability to breathe.
- Renal injury: A loss of kidney function causes renal injury, which can lead to severe complications.
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS): ARDS is a severe condition that occurs when the lungs do not provide enough oxygen to the body.
- Fetal complications: Superimposed preeclampsia may increase the risk of fetal complications. These include:
- placental abruption, in which the placenta separates from the uterus wall
- fetal growth restrictions, in which the fetus is smaller than expected for the gestational age
Preeclampsia usually affects a person during the second half of the pregnancy, from 20 weeks onward. However, superimposed preeclampsia may develop earlier.
A person should inform their doctor if they have high blood pressure and become pregnant. A person should also contact a doctor if they experience any symptoms of preeclampsia.
Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the risk of complications for the pregnant person and the fetus.
In most cases, preeclampsia does not result in complications, and the condition usually resolves
Preeclampsia can also lead to preterm delivery, which can result in fetal complications, such as low birth weight, feeding difficulties, and death.
Can you go full-term with preeclampsia?
A person can go full-term with preeclampsia. However, if the condition is severe, doctors
How common is stillbirth with preeclampsia?
According to the Preeclampsia Foundation, between 1,000 and 2,200 stillbirths occur due to preeclampsia in the United States each year.
Does preeclampsia affect life expectancy?
Preeclampsia may affect life expectancy.
Researchers have found that preeclampsia is associated with an
Superimposed preeclampsia occurs when a person with chronic hypertension develops preeclampsia during pregnancy.
Preeclampsia may lead to life threatening complications for the pregnant person and the fetus.
A person with hypertension should contact a doctor immediately if they have symptoms of preeclampsia. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the risks of complications and improve a person’s outlook.