“Cuff It” for Preeclampsia
Black women are especially at risk of the development and serious consequences of preeclampsia.
Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication marked by blood pressure of 140/90 or higher, along with at least one other sign such as protein in the urine, low platelets, fluid in the lungs, severe headaches, blurred vision, or pain on the upper right side of the stomach. It usually appears after the 20th week of pregnancy, and it can also develop in the weeks after delivery. Severe cases can lead to seizures, stroke, HELLP syndrome, and damage to the liver and kidneys.
Black women develop preeclampsia at higher rates than white women and are more likely to have severe cases and die from its complications. Race itself is not the cause. The gap comes from unequal access to quality care and from symptoms that get dismissed in medical settings.
That’s why PHEI created Cuff It. When a mama can check her blood pressure at home and has a nurse who listens, warning signs get caught early.
How Cuff It Works
When you enroll, PHEI gives you a blood pressure cuff so you can track your numbers at home. You’ll learn which warning signs to watch for, and a nurse will support you one-on-one throughout the program. You deserve to thrive during pregnancy, and we’ll make sure you’re heard.
What are the warning signs of preeclampsia?
What are the warning signs of preeclampsia?
Watch for a headache that won’t go away, blurred vision or seeing spots, pain on the upper right side of your stomach, sudden swelling in your face or hands, and trouble breathing. Some mamas have no symptoms at all, which is why regular blood pressure checks matter. If you notice any of these signs, call your provider right away or go to the emergency room.
Who is at risk?
Who is at risk?
- Preeclampsia in a past pregnancy
- A family history of preeclampsia
- A first pregnancy, or a first pregnancy with a new partner
- Carrying twins or more
- Pregnancy through IVF or other fertility treatment
- High blood pressure before pregnancy
- Gestational diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Lupus
- Obesity
- Gum disease
- Being over age 40
- Being a Black woman, because of the unequal care described above
- Limited income or access to care
What blood pressure reading is too high during pregnancy?
What blood pressure reading is too high during pregnancy?
A reading of 140/90 or higher is considered high in pregnancy. A reading of 160/110 or higher is an emergency and needs care right away. Ask your provider which numbers should prompt a call to them.
Can you get preeclampsia after giving birth?
Can you get preeclampsia after giving birth?
Yes. Postpartum preeclampsia usually shows up within two days of delivery, but it can develop up to six weeks later. Keep watching for warning signs after you go home, and tell any provider you see that you recently gave birth.
How does preeclampsia affect my baby?
How does preeclampsia affect my baby?
Preeclampsia can reduce blood flow to the placenta, so your baby may get less oxygen and fewer nutrients. That can slow your baby’s growth or lead to an early delivery.
How is preeclampsia treated?
How is preeclampsia treated?
Delivering the baby and placenta is the only cure. Until then, your care team may monitor you closely, prescribe blood pressure medication, or give you magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures. When and how you deliver depends on how severe your case is and how far along you are.
Can preeclampsia be prevented?
Can preeclampsia be prevented?
There’s no guaranteed way to prevent it. Providers often recommend low-dose aspirin, starting after 12 weeks, for mamas at high risk. Talk to your provider before taking aspirin during pregnancy.
If I had preeclampsia once, will I get it again?
If I had preeclampsia once, will I get it again?
Your risk is higher in future pregnancies, but it doesn’t mean you’ll have it again. Share your history with your provider early so they can watch your blood pressure closely.
Does preeclampsia affect my health later in life?
Does preeclampsia affect my health later in life?
It can. Women who’ve had preeclampsia face a higher risk of heart disease and stroke later on. Keep up with regular checkups and let each new doctor know about your history.
Why should I check my blood pressure at home?
Why should I check my blood pressure at home?
Preeclampsia can develop between appointments, and home checks help you catch a rise early. Through Cuff It, PHEI gives you a blood pressure cuff and a nurse who will help you understand your numbers and know when to get care.
Enroll today and get one-on-one support from a nurse.