Education

=Patient and Family Education=
 * ====All pregnancies are at risk for preeclampsia====
 * ====Eclampsia is the most severe phase of preeclampsia and occurs when preeclampsia is left untreated====
 * ====Preeclampsia typically appears in the second or third trimester of pregnancy====
 * ====Proper prenatal care is essential for avoiding developing preeclampsia====
 * ====Watch for risk factors of preeclampsia and report any risk factors to care giver====
 * ====Making sure to obtain weight measurements, blood pressures, and testing urine for protein at every prenatal visit may help catch preeclampsia at an early stage====
 * ====A good prenatal diet of vitamins, minerals and the basic food groups are important; Reducing consumption of processed foods, refined sugars, and caffeine is essential====
 * ====If you had a normal first pregnancy, the risk of having preeclampsia in a second pregnancy is low but not impossible if you have other risk factors====
 * ====If you had preeclampsia during a previous pregnancy, the risk of having it again is approximately 20%, but higher if you have more risk factors====
 * ====Preeclampsia must be acknowledged and treated or it can become eclampsia which can result in death of mother and baby before, during, or after childbirth====

(Preeclampsia Foundation 2012)

=Signs and Symptoms of Preeclampsia=
 * ====Sometimes there are no apparent symptoms; This is why it is important not miss any prenatal appointments====
 * ====Hypertension (Blood Pressure reading of 140/90)====
 * ====Proteinuria====
 * ====Edema (Swelling)====
 * ====Sudden Weight Gain====
 * ====Nausea or Vomiting====
 * ====Abdominal and/or Shoulder Pain====
 * ====Lower Back Pain====
 * ====Headache====
 * ====Changes in Vision====
 * ====Change in Reflexes (Hyperreflexia)====
 * ====Dizziness====
 * ====Reduced output of urine or no urine====

=Signs and Symptoms of Eclampsia=
 * ====Same as the above mentioned symptoms of Preeclampsia====
 * ====Seizures/Convulsions====
 * ====Disorientation====
 * ====Amnesia====
 * ====Coma====

(Preeclampsia Foundation, 2012) (Perry et al, 2010, p. 335)