Preeclampsia and gestational diabetes are two hazardous health conditions that can occur during the second half of pregnancy.
Preeclampsia
High blood pressure and protein in the urine occur in up to 8 percent of women after 20 weeks of pregnancy; delivery is the only cure.
You’re at risk if you:
- Have a history of chronic high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney disease
- Are under age 20 or over 40
- Are obese
- Are expecting multiples
What are the symptoms?
- Rapid rise in blood pressure
- Swelling of the hands and face
- Sudden weight gain
- Protein in the urine
- Severe headache and blurred vision
Why be concerned?
- Leads to large babies, making delivery 
difficult and dangerous
- Baby can have breathing difficulty and low blood sugar at birth
- Places mom at risk for high blood pressure and c-section
How is it managed?
- Hospitalization and/or bed rest
- Induced labor
- Frequent checks of blood pressure and urine
- Baby’s condition is monitored
Gestational Diabetes
High blood sugar, usually occurring around the 28th week of pregnancy, is present in as many as 10 percent of pregnancies.
You’re at risk if you:
- Are overweight
- Have had previous gestational diabetes
- Have sugar in your urine
- Have a family history of diabetes
What are the symptoms?
- Usually no symptoms, but most pregnant women have a glucose screening test between 24–28 weeks.
Why be concerned?
- Can lead to separation of the placenta and premature birth
- Can affect fetal growth
- If severe, can cause brain, liver, and kidney impairment in mom
- Can progress quickly if not controlled, leading to seizures, fluid accumulation, and blood-clotting disorders
How is it managed?
- Follow a balanced diet and avoid high-sugar foods
- Exercise
- Insulin, if necessary
Sources: preeclampsia.org; mayoclinic.com; newsroom.heart.org; diabetes.niddk.nih.gov; diabetes.org; soc-bdr.org; babycenter.com