Pre-eclampsia physical examination
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Pre-eclampsia Microchapters |
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Pre-eclampsia physical examination On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ogheneochuko Ajari, MB.BS, MS [2]
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Overview
Pre-eclampsia is diagnosed when a pregnant woman develops high blood pressure (two separate readings taken at least 6 hours apart of 140/90 or more). A rise in baseline BP of 20 systolic or 15 diastolic, while not meeting the absolute criteria of 140/90 is still considered important to note but no longer diagnostic. Swelling, or edema, (especially in the hands and face) was originally considered an important sign for a diagnosis of pre-eclampsia, but in current medical practice, only hypertension and proteinuria are necessary for a diagnosis. However, unusual swelling, particularly of the hands, feet, or face, notable by leaving an indentation when pressed on, can be significant and should be reported to the health-care provider.