SEVERE

PREECLAMPSIA

Submitted by:
Dela Cruz, Kristel M.

Submitted to:
Ms. Evangeline Orata
Preeclampsia is a condition that occurs only during pregnancy. Some
symptoms of preeclampsia may include high blood pressure and protein in
the urine, occurring after week 20 of pregnancy. Preeclampsia is often
precluded by gestational hypertension. While high blood pressure during
pregnancy does not necessarily indicate preeclampsia, it may be a sign of
another problem. Preeclampsia affects at least 5-8% of pregnancies.

Who is at risk for preeclampsia?

The following may increase the risk of developing preeclampsia:

A first-time mom
Previous experience with gestational hypertensionor preeclampsia
Women whose sisters and mothers had preeclampsia
Women carrying multiple babies
Women younger than 20 years and older than age 40
Women who had high blood pressure or kidney disease prior to
pregnancy
Women who are obese or have a BMI of 30 or greater

What are the symptoms of preeclampsia?

Mild preeclampsia: high blood pressure, water retention, and protein in the
urine.

Severe preeclampsia: headaches, blurred vision, inability to tolerate bright

light, fatigue, nausea/vomiting, urinating small amounts, pain in the upper
right abdomen, shortness of breath, and tendency to bruise easily. Contact
your doctor immediately if you experience blurred vision, severe
headaches, abdominal pain, and/or urinating very infrequently.

How do I know if I have preeclampsia?

At each prenatal checkup your healthcare provider will check your blood
pressure, urine levels, and may order blood tests which may show if you
have preeclampsia. Your physician may also perform other tests that include:
checking kidney and blood-clotting functions; ultrasound scan to check your
babys growth; and Doppler scan to measure the efficiency of blood flow to
the placenta.
If you have mild preeclampsia and your baby has not reached full
development, your doctor will probably recommend you do the
following:

Rest, lying on your left side to take the weight of the baby off your
major blood vessels.
Increase prenatal checkups.
Consume less salt
Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day
Change your diet to include more protein

If you have severe preeclampsia, your doctor may try to treat you with blood
pressure medicationuntil you are far enough along to deliver safely, along
with possibly bed rest, dietary changes, and supplements.

How can preeclampsia affect the mother?

If preeclampisa is not treated quickly and properly, it can lead to serious

complications for the mother such as liver or renal failure and future
cardiovascular issues.

It may also lead to the following life-threatening conditions:

Eclampsia This is a severe form of preeclampsia that leads to seizures in

the mother.

HELLP Syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet

count)- This is a condition usually occurring late in pregnancy that affects the
breakdown of red blood cells, how the blood clots, and liver function for the
pregnant woman.

How does preeclampsia affect my baby?

Preeclampsia can prevent the placenta from getting enough blood. If the
placenta doesnt get enough blood, your baby gets less oxygen and food.
This can result in low birth weight. Most women still can deliver a healthy
baby if preeclampsia is detected early and treated with regular prenatal care.

How can I prevent preeclampsia:

Currently, there is no sure way to prevent preeclampsia. Some

contributing factors to high blood pressure can be controlled and some
cant. Follow your doctors instruction about diet and exercise.
Use little or no added salt in your meals.
Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day.
 Dont eat a lot of fried foods and junk food.
Get enough rest.
Exercise regularly.
Elevate your feet several times during the day.
Avoid drinking alcohol.
Avoid beverages containing caffeine.
Your doctor may suggest you take prescribed medicine and additional
supplements.