What is Preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is a blood pressure condition that may occur at the 20th week of pregnancy or even after giving birth. The Preeclampsia that happens after delivery is known as Postpartum Preeclampsia.
Generally, the condition can be defined as when a woman has such high blood pressure that it affects her organs. The kidney, liver, or heart may not function properly after the pregnant woman carries this serious condition. Preeclampsia is known to affect 2 to 8 per cent of pregnancies globally.
What are the Causes of Preeclampsia?
Even though most specialists are still in a state of uncertainty about how the condition occurs, most of them have agreed that it happens due to issues with placental development.
This is because the blood vessels react differently to the hormonal signals. Also, the limited blood flow indicates something serious here. However, as per most experts, the major factors may include.
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Blood vessel damage.
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Limited blood flow to the uterus.
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Hereditary factors.
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Weak Immunity.
Who is at the most risk of developing Preeclampsia?
The risk factors of Preeclampsia are mostly faced by the following.
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Women with their first pregnancies are usually at risk of developing the condition.
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Obesity may also lead to Preeclampsia.
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Family history might also play a role in developing the condition.
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Women expecting two or more babies are also at risk of developing Preeclampsia.
Does Preeclampsia also affect the Fetus or the Infant?
Yes! If pregnant women have developed the condition, the fetus or the infant might pose risks. The major risk factors of Preeclampsia for the fetus or infants include the following.
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Impaired fetal growth as proper oxygen and nutrients cannot reach the fetus.
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The most common occurrence of Preeclampsia is preterm birth.
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Placenta might also get separated from the uterine wall. In such a case, the pregnant woman would have a stillbirth.
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Placental abruption may lead to heavy bleeding in the mother.
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Death of the infant.
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Infants who are born earlier due to Preeclampsia might suffer myriad health issues in the long term.
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Infants with poor growth are at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure and diabetes.
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Infants born after Preeclampsia may also suffer from congestive heart failure.
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Other serious health issues infants suffer from Preeclampsia include learning disorders, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, blindness, and deafness.
Major Signs and Symptoms of Preeclampsia
The Preeclampsia signs and symptoms are quite notable. Observe the following conditions if you believe that you are suffering from the condition.
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Shortness of breath
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Headaches
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Blurry Vision
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Protein in urine
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Disturbed liver function
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Abrupt weight gain
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Excess fluid loss
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High blood pressure
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Low platelet count
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Nausea and Vomiting
Preeclampsia Treatment
Though a very serious condition and almost a threat to pregnant women or infants, Preeclampsia is still treatable.
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If the woman is 37 weeks pregnant, the doctor would suggest inducing labor pains for immediate delivery.
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Medications may also treat the condition. For example, having aspirin.
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Most importantly, prevention is the best cure. Rest and having a proper diet with less salt intake may prevent the condition.
Common Symptoms of Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a severe pregnancy illness since many of its symptoms are silent or mimic “normal” pregnant symptoms. Many preeclamptic women don’t feel sick and are startled or irritated when hospitalized or advised on bed rest.
Preeclampsia causes high blood pressure. Most individuals can’t “feel” their blood pressure rising. Therefore it’s called a “silent killer.” Knowing the warning signals is one of the best ways to help women get the treatment they need.
Hypertension
High blood pressure during pregnancy is a sign of Preeclampsia. Even if it’s not Preeclampsia, it can still be a concern.
High blood pressure is tested for at least four hours as 140/90 or above. During pregnancy, a diastolic rise of 15 degrees or more or a systolic rise of 30 degrees or more might cause worry.
Solution
Especially if it’s low, know your blood pressure before pregnancy. Ask your prenatal physician, “What’s my blood pressure?” (Take your blood pressure.) Most pharmacies sell blood pressure monitors, and some have them for use, although they’re not always accurate.
If you possess a monitor, calibrate it with your provider’s. Blood pressure measurements should be taken while sitting with the cuff on the left arm at heart level. (“Understand Blood Pressure”)
Urine Protein (Proteinuria)
Proteinuria is another indication of Preeclampsia, caused by proteins leaking from the blood into the urine. Albumin and other proteins are lost because Preeclampsia destroys this “filter.”
At each prenatal checkup, a simple test of your urine can screen for proteinuria. Clinics and medical offices may utilize a Protein: Creatinine Ratio (PCR) or a timed urine collection.
Solution
Ask for urine test results at each prenatal appointment. A nurse dipped a reagent strip into your urine sample. Trace protein is widespread and seldom causes the issue. If the reading is 1+ or above, Preeclampsia may be present, even if blood pressure is below 140/90.
Edema
Pregnancy causes some oedema. Unless you’re lucky, your feet may swell (good luck squeezing into your pre-pregnancy shoes!). Oedema is the collection of extra fluid in your face, eyes, or hands.
Solution
If you think your face appears swollen, show your doctor a photo from before pregnancy. If your hands and feet swell severely, you may observe “pitting oedema” (when you push your thumb into your skin, an indentation remains) or leg discolouration. If you suspect oedema, see a doctor. Every day, put your feet up but prevent prolonged sitting.
Headaches
Chronic dull or severe migraine-like headaches are grounds for concern.
Solution
If you’ve taken over-the-counter medicine without relief, if your headache is intense, if you’re light sensitive, or if visual problems accompany your headache, call your provider and ask to be seen that day.
Nausea/vomiting
Sudden nausea or vomiting after mid-pregnancy is very serious. Morning sickness should subside after the first trimester, and abrupt nausea and vomiting beyond mid-pregnancy may indicate Preeclampsia.
Solution
Dial 911. Nausea or vomiting may indicate the flu or gallbladder issues, so check your blood pressure and urine for proteinuria.
Stomach/shoulder pain
This right-sided stomach ache is called epigastric or upper right quadrant (URQ) pain. It might be mistaken for heartburn, gallbladder troubles, illness, indigestion, or kicking discomfort. Shoulder ache radiates from the liver under the right ribcage.
Solution
This pain should not be dismissed and ignored. Dial 911. Lower back discomfort is immediate and particular, unlike pregnancy-related muscular strain. Shoulder discomfort might feel like someone is squeezing your bra strap or neck, or lying on your right side can be difficult. These pain sensations may indicate HELLP Syndrome or a liver issue.
Backache
Pregnancy-related back discomfort is prevalent. When accompanied by other preeclampsia symptoms, it may suggest liver disease.
Solution
Also, mention Stomach and Right Shoulder Pain to your doctor. If other symptoms accompany pain, consult your doctor.
Increased Weight
Preeclampsia may be indicated by a weight increase of 3-5 pounds per week. Damaged blood arteries cause water to seep into bodily tissues and not be eliminated by the kidneys.
Solution
Don’t diet to lose weight during pregnancy. All pregnancies need a healthy, balanced diet, including raw fruit and vegetables, prenatal vitamins, and folic acid. Limit salt. Obesity increases the risk of Preeclampsia, thus losing weight before getting pregnant (BMI of 30 or less).
Preeclampsia is a complicated condition. Therefore various women develop it. Healthy eating and weight may help certain ladies. We advise against high-protein weight-loss or preeclampsia-prevention diets. Overeating protein can harm women with renal illness.
The Preeclampsia Foundation understands the need for a healthy diet. However, we don’t endorse any specific diet or drink.
Changes in Vision
Alterations in vision are a very concerning sign of Preeclampsia. They might indicate brain enlargement or an irritant to the central nervous system (cerebral oedema).
Vision alterations such as flashing lights, auras, sensitivity to light, blurring, or spots are common.
Solution
These eyesight problems require immediate attention, so call your doctor or get to the emergency room. These are life-threatening symptoms that cannot be ignored until morning.
Hyperreflexia
To demonstrate hyperreflexia, try tapping your knee with a rubber “hammer” and seeing how strongly your leg springs back.
Most women will increase their deep tendon reflexes just before a seizure. However, convulsions can happen even in the absence of hyperreflexia.
Solution
This symptom is notoriously hard to monitor without the help of a medical professional. Hyperreflexia, like headaches and vision abnormalities, may indicate nervous system dysfunction.
Your doctor may test your reflexes if you use magnesium sulphate to control your seizure disorder. If you take too much magnesium sulphate, your reflexes might become abnormally sluggish or be eliminated.
Weakness in the Stomach, Panic
Preeclampsia symptoms include difficulty breathing, a rapid heartbeat, mental disorientation, increased worry, and a pervasive feeling of dread. Experiencing these signs for the first time may indicate high blood pressure or, less commonly, fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary oedema).
Solution
You should immediately see a doctor. Be careful to tell your doctor about any of these problems you had before pregnancy so they can be thoroughly monitored.
Note: Regularly conduct moderate activity and drink enough liquids to quench your thirst. Don’t skip breakfast, diet pills, or fast during prenatal checkups. Proper diagnosis requires an exact weight.
Tips To Handle Preeclampsia
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Don’t miss prenatal care visits. Every prenatal appointment should include weighing, blood pressure, and urine protein tests to diagnose Preeclampsia. If any of these exams are omitted, question your caregiver.
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A prenatal diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and fundamental food categories is vital during pregnancy, limiting processed foods, refined sugars, and caffeine. Eliminate alcohol and nonprescribed medications.
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Tell your prenatal care provider about all drugs recommended by other doctors so they may be reviewed for pregnancy safety.
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Consult your doctor before using herbal or other supplements.
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These healthy activities and choices don’t affect Preeclampsia but improve your health for the healthiest pregnancy possible.
Conclusion
Preeclampsia is a serious medical condition, but medical advancements have also allowed it to cure it. Still, living a healthy lifestyle is always better for preventing the condition. Preeclampsia is a critical medical condition suffered by pregnant women usually. The condition might also occur before or after the gestational period. Preeclampsia often leads to severe complications and is seriously dangerous. However, the condition is treatable if taken good care of.