Ectopic Pregnancy: What Patients of Maureen O. Khoo, MD, FACOG Should Know

High blood pressure in pregnancy is more common than many people realize. Hypertensive disorders—including chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia—affect up to 10–20% of pregnancies and are a major cause of complications for moms and babies.AJOG: Maternal-Fetal Medicine

At the practice of Maureen O. Khoo, MD, FACOG, we are dedicated to early detection, close monitoring, and personalized treatment plans to help keep you and your baby safe throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period.

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What Are Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy?

“Hypertensive disorders” is a group of conditions where blood pressure is elevated before, during, or after pregnancy. The main types are:CDC+1

1. Chronic Hypertension
   
   • High blood pressure present before pregnancy, diagnosed before 20 weeks, or that persists 12 weeks after delivery.
     
   • Some patients with chronic hypertension can develop superimposed preeclampsia, a more serious condition.CDC+1
     
2. Gestational Hypertension
   
   • High blood pressure that develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy in someone who previously had normal readings.
     
   • There is no protein in the urine or clear signs of organ damage.
     
   • Up to 50% of people with gestational hypertension may go on to develop preeclampsia.American Pregnancy Association+1
     
3. Preeclampsia
   
   • A pregnancy-specific condition that typically occurs after 20 weeks, involving new-onset high blood pressure plus signs that organs such as the kidneys, liver, or brain may be affected.Preeclampsia Foundation+2The ObG Project+2
     
   • Often involves protein in the urine, but not always—some patients have other organ-related findings even without proteinuria.Preeclampsia Foundation+1
     
4. Preeclampsia with Severe Features & Eclampsia
   
   • “Severe features” include very high blood pressure (≥160/110), severe headaches, vision changes, liver or kidney problems, low platelets, breathing issues, or severe right upper abdominal pain.UpToDate+1
     
   • Eclampsia occurs when seizures develop in someone with preeclampsia. This is a medical emergency.CDC+1
     

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What Is Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is more than “just high blood pressure.” It is a multisystem disorder that can affect the brain, liver, kidneys, placenta, and clotting system.The ObG Project+1

Current guidelines define preeclampsia as:

• Blood pressure ≥140/90 on two occasions at least four hours apart after 20 weeks in a previously normotensive patient
  AND
  
• Either protein in the urine (proteinuria)
  
  • OR evidence of organ involvement such as:
    
  • Low platelets
    
  • Elevated liver enzymes
    
  • New kidney dysfunction
    
  • Pulmonary edema (fluid on the lungs)
    
  • New-onset, persistent headache or visual symptoms not explained by another cause.Preeclampsia Foundation+2American College of Cardiology+2
    

Because preeclampsia can progress quickly, early recognition and close monitoring are essential.

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Why Does Preeclampsia Matter?

Preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders are a leading cause of maternal and infant illness and death worldwide.WIC Works Resource System+1

Potential complications include:

• For the mother:
  
  • Stroke or severe high blood pressure emergencies
    
  • Seizures (eclampsia)
    
  • HELLP syndrome (a condition involving hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets)
    
  • Organ damage (liver, kidneys, brain)
    
  • Placental abruption (the placenta detaching from the uterus too early)
    
• For the baby:
  
  • Poor placental circulation and reduced oxygen/nutrient delivery
    
  • Fetal growth restriction
    
  • Preterm birth
    
  • Stillbirth in severe untreated casesUpToDate+2AJOG: Maternal-Fetal Medicine+2
    

The good news: with regular prenatal care, most cases are detected early, and many parents and babies do very well.ACOG+1

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Who Is at Higher Risk?

Anyone can develop preeclampsia, but certain factors increase risk:ACOG+2CDC+2

• First pregnancy
  
• Prior history of preeclampsia
  
• Family history of preeclampsia (mother or sister)
  
• Chronic hypertension
  
• Kidney disease
  
• Diabetes
  
• Autoimmune conditions (such as lupus)
  
• Multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets)
  
• Advanced maternal age (≥35)
  
• Obesity
  

If you fall into a higher-risk category, Dr. Khoo may recommend closer blood pressure monitoring, more frequent visits, and in some cases low-dose aspirin to help reduce your risk of developing preeclampsia.ACOG+1

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Signs & Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

Hypertensive disorders—especially preeclampsia—don’t always come with obvious symptoms, which is why routine blood pressure checks are so important. When symptoms do appear, call your OB/GYN right away or go to the nearest emergency department.

Call your doctor immediately if you notice:ACOG+3CDC+3Healthline+3

• Persistent or severe headache, especially if not relieved by usual measures
  
• Visual changes: blurry vision, seeing spots or flashing lights
  
• New or sudden swelling in your face, hands, feet, or around your eyes
  
• Rapid weight gain over a short period (e.g., several pounds in a week)
  
• Pain in the right upper abdomen or under the ribs
  
• Nausea or vomiting not typical for you in this stage of pregnancy
  
• Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or chest pain
  
• Decreased baby movements (after you’ve already been feeling normal movement)
  

And seek emergency care if you experience:

• Seizures or convulsions
  
• Sudden, severe shortness of breath
  
• Sudden loss of consciousness
  

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How Are These Conditions Diagnosed?

At each prenatal visit with Dr. Khoo, your blood pressure will be checked and other screening tests may be ordered as needed. Diagnosis typically includes:Medical News Today+3American College of Cardiology+3AAFP+3

• Blood pressure measurements on more than one occasion
  
• Urine testing to check for protein
  
• Blood tests to evaluate liver function, kidney function, and platelets
  
• Fetal monitoring, such as ultrasounds and non-stress tests, to assess your baby’s growth and well-being
  

Because hypertensive disorders can change quickly, Dr. Khoo may recommend more frequent visits or even hospital monitoring in some situations.

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Treatment & Management

The primary goals of treatment are to:

1. Protect the health of the mother, and
   
2. Help the baby mature safely, balancing the risks of staying pregnant vs. delivering early.ACOG+2Guideline Central+2
   

Depending on the type and severity of hypertension, management may include:

• Lifestyle and at-home monitoring
  
  • Regular blood pressure checks at home
    
  • Watching for warning symptoms
    
  • Rest and activity guidance
    
• Medications
  
  • Safe blood pressure medications during pregnancy, if needed
    
  • Low-dose aspirin in selected high-risk patients to help prevent preeclampsia
    
  • Magnesium sulfate in severe cases or eclampsia to prevent seizures (usually in a hospital setting)
    
• Planned timing of delivery
  
  • For gestational hypertension or preeclampsia without severe features, delivery is often recommended at or after 37 weeks.Guideline Central
    
  • For preeclampsia with severe features, earlier delivery may be needed to protect both mother and baby.ACOG+1
    

You and Dr. Khoo will discuss your individualized plan, taking into account your medical history, your baby’s growth, and how your blood pressure and lab tests are trending.

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Postpartum: You’re Still Being Watched

Preeclampsia and high blood pressure issues can continue or even appear for the first time after delivery, usually within the first few days to weeks.ACOG+2UpToDate+2

Your care team will:

• Continue to monitor your blood pressure in the hospital
  
• Arrange follow-up visits and sometimes home blood pressure checks
  
• Adjust or start medications if your blood pressure remains high
  
• Discuss your long-term heart and vascular health, since a history of preeclampsia slightly increases your lifetime risk of high blood pressure and heart disease
  

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Comprehensive Q&A: Preeclampsia & Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy

Q1: I feel fine—can I still have preeclampsia?

Yes. Some patients have no obvious symptoms and preeclampsia is picked up through routine blood pressure checks and lab tests. This is why keeping all prenatal visits is so important, even if you feel completely well.Healthline+1

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Q2: What’s the difference between gestational hypertension and preeclampsia?

Both conditions involve high blood pressure after 20 weeks, but:Healthline+2Medical News Today+2

• Gestational hypertension = high blood pressure only, no protein in the urine, and no other organ complications.
  
• Preeclampsia = high blood pressure plus protein in the urine or other signs of organ involvement (like abnormal labs, low platelets, severe symptoms).
  

Gestational hypertension can progress into preeclampsia, so it always requires careful monitoring.

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Q3: Can preeclampsia be prevented?

We can’t prevent every case, but we can lower the risk in some people by:ACOG+2CDC+2

• Identifying high-risk patients early
  
• Considering low-dose aspirin during pregnancy for those at higher risk (as recommended by your OB/GYN)
  
• Managing conditions such as chronic hypertension, diabetes, and kidney disease before and during pregnancy
  
• Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active as advised, and not smoking
  

Dr. Khoo will review your history to determine if preventive strategies are appropriate for you.

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Q4: Is it safe to take blood pressure medications while pregnant?

In many cases, yes. Several blood pressure medications are considered safe and effective in pregnancy, while others are avoided. Your treatment plan is carefully chosen to protect both you and your baby. Do not start, stop, or change medications without talking to your OB/GYN or prescribing provider.ACOG+1

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Q5: If I had preeclampsia before, will I get it again?

Having had preeclampsia in a prior pregnancy increases your risk in future pregnancies, but it doesn’t guarantee that you’ll develop it again.UpToDate+2AJOG: Maternal-Fetal Medicine+2

For patients with a history of preeclampsia, Dr. Khoo may recommend:

• Preconception counseling
  
• Early and more frequent prenatal visits
  
• Possible low-dose aspirin in a future pregnancy
  
• Closer surveillance of your blood pressure and labs
  

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Q6: Does preeclampsia go away after delivery?

Preeclampsia usually improves and resolves after childbirth, but it may take days to weeks for blood pressure to fully normalize. In some patients, high blood pressure can persist and be diagnosed as chronic hypertension postpartum.UpToDate+2CDC+2

This is why your postpartum appointments and any recommended home blood pressure monitoring are just as important as your prenatal care.

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Q7: How does preeclampsia affect my baby’s birth plan?

Your birth plan may include:

• Closer monitoring of both you and your baby in late pregnancy
  
• Possible induction of labor once it’s safer for baby to be born than to remain in the uterus (often at or after 37 weeks for mild disease)Guideline Central
  
• In some situations, especially with severe features, earlier delivery or cesarean birth may be recommended for safety
  

Dr. Khoo will discuss your options, explain the risks and benefits, and help you create a plan that puts safety first while honoring your preferences as much as possible.

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Q8: Is preeclampsia a lifelong problem?

The condition itself is specific to pregnancy and the postpartum period, but a history of preeclampsia is linked to a higher risk of:AJOG: Maternal-Fetal Medicine+1

• High blood pressure later in life
  
• Heart disease and stroke
  

Because of this, your history of preeclampsia should be part of your long-term medical record, and your primary care provider may recommend regular blood pressure, cholesterol, and cardiovascular risk screening over the years.

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Q9: When should I call Dr. Khoo about my blood pressure in pregnancy?

You should contact the office if:

• Your home blood pressure readings are consistently 140/90 or higher
  
• You notice any concerning symptoms listed above (headache, vision changes, sudden swelling, etc.)
  
• You simply feel that something isn’t right
  

We would always rather you call and be reassured than miss something important.

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Compassionate, Personalized Care in Los Gatos & Mountain View

At Maureen O. Khoo, MD, FACOG, we know that hearing the words “high blood pressure” or “preeclampsia” can be frightening. Our team is here to:

• Answer your questions in clear, understandable language
  
• Create a tailored monitoring and treatment plan
  
• Coordinate closely with maternal-fetal medicine and other specialists when needed
  
• Support you emotionally and medically throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum
  

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Contact Us

📍 Los Gatos Office
320 Dardanelli Lane, Ste 20
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Phone: (408) 364-2440

📍 Mountain View Office
2490 Hospital Drive, Ste 209 – Melchor Pavilion
Mountain View, CA 94040
Phone: (408) 364-2440

🖥️ Visit our website or call us to book your appointment today!

Whether you are planning a pregnancy, newly pregnant, or navigating a high-risk pregnancy, Dr. Maureen O. Khoo and her team are ready to partner with you every step of the way.