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Preeclampsia Treatment

Preeclampsia has no cure. The only cure for preeclampsia is delivery of your baby. However, delivery may not always be the best option at the time. The treatment that you receive depends upon the severity (mild versus severe) of your preeclampsia, what symptoms you have, and how far along in the pregnancy you are (premature versus full term).

• The closer you are to your due date, the more likely your cervix will be ripe (ready for delivery), and that induction of labor will be successful. Sometimes medications are given to help induce labor.

• Earlier in pregnancy (24-34 weeks), there is less chance of a successful induction (although induction it is still possible). It is more common to have a cesarean delivery when preeclampsia necessitates delivery early in pregnancy.

• Sometimes preeclampsia is too severe and/or the baby shows signs of compromise, such as decreased fetal heart rate, and thus an immediate cesarean delivery must be performed.

• If the disease is severe and the baby is premature, you may first be given a medication called betamethasone (a corticosteroid) to help mature the baby's lungs before the baby is delivered.

• If the disease is more severe and immediate delivery is not required, you may be admitted to the hospital for bed rest and closer observation of you and your baby.

• If the disease is mild, you are early in the third trimester, or both, you may be sent home for bed rest with close follow-up in your health care provider's office.

• If you are at or near term (at least 37 weeks), expect either that labor will be induced or a cesarean delivery will be performed. The decision to induce labor or perform a cesarean delivery will be made by your obstetrician depending upon your health, your baby's health, and the condition of your cervix (which is a factor in whether induction of labor is likely to be successful).

• Also remember that a change in either your condition or your baby's condition can occur quickly. If this happens, notify your provider immediately and expect your management to change as well.