If you have forgotten, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting again!

Preeclampsia happens in pregnancy, or just after the baby’s birth, and affects around one in 14 women, usually after the 20th week. Sometimes, there are no symptoms but often there is raised blood pressure, a high level of protein in urine, leaked from the kidneys, and possible swelling, especially around the hands and face. Don’t panic if you’re diagnosed with this as most cases are mild but they all need monitoring because serious, potentially life-threatening complications can develop. No one knows for sure what causes it but theories put forward include insufficient blood flow to the womb, undiagnosed high blood pressure or other problems such as diabetes in the mother and disruption of the balance of hormones that control blood vessels.

THE COMPLICATIONS

STROKE: This is a major risk of uncontrolled high blood pressure

ECLAMPSIA: One in 100 cases of preeclampsia turn into a condition called eclampsia, which usually develops later in pregnancy or just after the birth However, occasionally it can happen with no previous pre-eclampsia symptoms. Eclampsia can cause seizures, leading to a coma, and is potentially fatal for both mother and baby — the cure is to have an emergency Caesarean and deliver the baby.

ORGAN FAILURE: Kidney or lung problems may develop

HELLP SYNDROME: A combined liver and blood disorder, it affects up to 12 in 100 women with pre-eclampsia, and can also develop before the classic preeclampsia symptoms appear

SLOW GROWTH OF THE BABY AND PREMATURE BIRTH: Preeclampsia affects the blood vessels in the placenta, so babies don’t get as much oxygen and nourishment, which is why they may end up smaller or be born premature.

FIVE TIPS FOR PROTECTION

1. Keep antenatal appointments — it’s vital to be tested for preeclampsia regularly as the condition can progress rapidly.
2. Follow a healthy diet, with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, to help keep blood pressure in check. Also avoid salty, blood pressure- raising foods and cut out alcohol entirely.
3. Lower your risk of preeclampsia by doing moderate exercise, such as walking and swimming, to help keep your blood pressure in check.
4. If you’re diagnosed with preeclampsia and your doctor advises you to rest, follow his or her instructions, even if you feel fine. It’s important to keep the condition under control.
5. Be aware of your personal risk and, if you get any strange symptoms, seek medical advice as soon as possible.

WHO’S AT RISK?

You may have a higher risk of developing pre- eclampsia if:

• You’ve had pre-eclampsia before. If it was before the last three months of the pregnancy, the risk is greater of getting it again
• It’s your first pregnancy You suffer from chronic high blood pressure, diabetes, a kidney disorder or migraine
• You have a close relative — for instance a mother, sister or aunt — who’s suffered from it
• You’re obese — that is, you have a body mass index (BMI) that’s 30 or above.
• You’re having more than one baby at the same time
• You’re older than 40 or younger than 18
• You suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome, a hormonal imbalance that leads to multiple cysts on your ovaries
• You suffer from auto-immune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, MS, lupus or sarcoidosis

LOOK OUT FOR

Symptoms you might notice include:

• Swelling of feet, ankles, face and hands, and excessive weight gain because of fluid retention
• Severe headache
• Blurred vision
• Stomach or shoulder pain
• Nausea

Preeclampsia or elevated blood pressure during pregnancy can be tricky to spot and needs regular monitoring. Do not neglect it as it might lead to further complications. I hope that this article has you some information which might prove to be very useful. Please provide your feedback and leave your comments on how useful this has been to you.

Share This Article: