Preeclampsia

Is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and

signs of damage to another organ system, most often the liver and kidneys.
Preeclampsia usually begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy in women whose
blood pressure had been normal.Mar 19, 2020

Risk Factors: Kidney disease; Vitamin D deficiency...

Symptoms: Weight gain; Edema; Hypertension

What do they do for preeclampsia?

Possible treatment for preeclampsia may include: Medications to lower

blood pressure. These medications, called antihypertensives, are used to
lower your blood pressure if it's dangerously high. Blood pressure in the
140/90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) range generally isn't treated.

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a condition that occurs only during pregnancy. Some

symptoms 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.
The condition affects at least 5-8% of pregnancies.

Preeclampsia Causes, Treatment and Prevention

CAUSES

The exact cause of preeclampsia involves several factors. Experts believe

it begins in the placenta — the organ that nourishes the fetus throughout
pregnancy. Early in pregnancy, new blood vessels develop and evolve to
efficiently send blood to the placenta.
Who is at risk for preeclampsia?

A first-time mom

Previous experience with gestational hypertension or 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?

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 baby’s growth; and Doppler scan to measure the efficiency of
blood flow to the placenta.
What is the treatment?

Treatment depends on how close you are to your due date. If you are close
to your due date, and the baby is developed enough, your health care
provider will probably want to deliver your baby as soon as possible.

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

How can preeclampsia affect the mother?

If preeclampsia 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 doesn’t 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 can’t. Follow
your doctor’s instruction about diet and exercise.

Use little or no added salt in your meals

Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day

Don’t 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 the prescribed medicine and additional
supplements