Table 7.

A summary of current management practices of preeclampsia.

Management	Explanation
Blood pressure control	Choices for antihypertensive therapy during pregnancy are limited. The most frequently administered drugs include labetalol, hydralazine, and nifedipine. The former two come in intravenous and oral forms, of which intravenous injections are often used in severe or emergent conditions. Labetalol and nifedipine are more commonly recognized as the first antihypertensive medications for gestational hypertensive disorders.
Seizure prevention	Magnesium is the drug of choice for seizure prevention in preeclamptic and eclamptic cases. It is proven to be superior to other anticonvulsants and is associated with fewer side effects. The mechanism is primarily related to its calcium antagonistic effect and potential to function as an NMDA blocker. It is given with an initial loading dose followed by continuous infusion. Neurologic signs and respiratory patterns should be closely monitored to prevent toxicity.
Delivery and Termination of Pregnancy	The only way to stop or reverse the process of preeclampsia formation is delivery. Therefore, prompt delivery is indicated once the patient reaches term pregnancy. For preterm women with severe disease features, termination of delivery should be strongly considered, but risks higher neonatal morbidities and mortalities due to immaturity. In these cases, cortiocosteroids should be administered for fetal lung maturation before delivery if time allows.
Fluid management	Preeclamptic women often experience fluid overload, which could lead to serious complications such as pulmonary edema. Therefore, unnecessary fluids should be avoided.
Diet management	Most evidence regarding diet management against preeclampsia is not strongly convincing. However, maternal weight control, high fiber intake, probiotics use, calcium and vitamin D supplements, multivitamin and multimineral supplements, and avoidance of a high-salt diet and raw food are considered to be beneficial. A Mediterranean-style diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats has also been proven to lower the risks of preeclampsia.
Exercise	Aerobic exercise is associated with a reduction of gestational hypertensive disorders as it promotes placentation and a healthier immune reaction in general. The frequency, intensity, type, and time of exercise should be an individualized plan discussed between the patient and physician based on the maternal condition.
Long-term follow-up	Even after delivery and the recovery of preeclampsia, women still bear an increased risk of developing cardiovascular, renal, and hepatic sequelae, along with other chronic diseases. Therefore, long-term follow-up for the patient’s health condition is indicated.