Blue Bands Save Lives!

During your pregnancy, delivery or postpartum period you have been recognized as having hypertension. You may have been treated for elevated blood pressures (greater than or equal to 140 over greater than or equal to 90) during the perinatal period. You may have been diagnosed with hypertension/hypertensive disorder, preeclampsia or eclampsia. These conditions place you at increased risk for severe complications.

Mid-Valley Hospital & Clinic is working with local emergency departments and clinics to ensure that you are treated quickly if you go in for treatment related to hypertension with pregnancy or in the postpartum period. Please wear your blue band and carry your wallet card with you at all times to help us help you.

Signs and symptoms of preeclampsia:

  • Swelling of face or hands
  • A headache that is severe or will not go away
  • Seeing spots or changes in vision
  • Pain in the upper right area of your belly or stomach pain
  • Nausea or throwing up
  • Sudden or rapid weight gain
  • Trouble breathing or feeling short of breath
  • Heartburn that will not go away
  • Decreased urination or none
  • Rising blood pressure
  • Chest pain
  • Confusion

If you notice any of the symptoms of preeclampsia listed above, you should seek medical attention. Get a ride to your closest emergency room or call 911 and report the symptoms you have been experiencing.

Blue Band Awareness

If you are at risk of developing or have preeclampsia, your health care provider will ask you to wear a blue wristband. 

  • Leave the blue wristband on until your health care provider takes it off or tells you to take it off.
  • Keep your follow-up appointments with your health care provider, even if you are feeling well.
  • Expect your first follow-up appointment after delivery to be within 2-5 days of discharge from the hospital.
  • Continue your prescribed medications as directed.
  • Tell your family and friends about the importance of wearing the band and getting care.

 

It is important to let health care providers know if you are pregnant or have recently been pregnant.