doubtful if it is preeclampsia

[kay]

My sister is on her later part of preganancy with her second kid. she suddenly developed edema in her face & legs. when we got her admitted we were told that she has high blodd pressure & that the placenta has formed a slide or something i am not sure... they also told us that the baby is only 3.5lbs & that the baby is not receiving blood from the placenta... also the doctors told us that the fluid is less in the uterus..i look for your kind & immediate advice at this juncture...

Kay

[expert on call]

Certainly sounds as if she has preeclampsia. She is in the hospital which is good. I am assuming that she is near term since the baby at 3.5 pounds is "small."

I would expect that the doctors will recommend delivery soon. If there are signs that blood flow is restricted to the baby, they may recommend a cesarean to protect the baby.

If she has preeclampsia, she will probably be treated with magnesium sulfate. Blood pressures will probably be watched carefully and treated if excessively elevated.

Expert on Call

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