Preeclampsia – What is it, Symptoms and Treatments!

Preeclampsia – What it is, Symptoms and Treatments of this condition. Also, Preeclampsia is when you have high blood pressure and protein in your urine during pregnancy . It can happen at any point after the 20th week of pregnancy , although in some cases it occurs earlier. You may also have low clotting factors (platelets) in your blood or indicators of kidney or liver problems.

This condition is also called pregnancy -induced toxemia or hypertension . Eclampsia is a serious complication of Preeclampsia Eclampsia includes high blood pressure resulting in seizures during pregnancy . Approximately 5 to 10 percent of all pregnant women get preeclampsia .

Causes of Preeclampsia: Doctors cannot yet identify a single cause of Preeclampsia , but some potential causes are being explored. These include:

• genetic factors
• Diet
• blood vessel problems
• autoimmune disorders

There are also risk factors that can increase your chances of developing preeclampsia . These include:

• Being pregnant with multiple fetuses
• Over the age of 35
• being in adolescence
• being pregnant for the first time
• being obese
• Having a history of high blood pressure
• Having a history of diabetes
• Having a history of kidney disorder

Nothing can definitely prevent this condition. Early and consistent prenatal care can help your doctor diagnose you earlier and prevent complications. Having a diagnosis will allow your doctor to provide you with adequate monitoring until the due date.

Symptoms of Preeclampsia: It is important to remember that you may not notice any symptoms of Preeclampsia . If you develop symptoms, some common ones include:

• persistent headache
• Abnormal swelling in your hands and face
• sudden weight gain
• Changes in your vision

During a physical exam, your doctor may find that your blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg or higher. Urine and blood tests may also show protein in the urine , abnormal liver enzymes, and platelet levels.

At that point, your doctor can do a non-stress test in his office to make sure the fetus is moving normally. A non-resistant test is a simple test that measures how the fetal heart rate changes as the fetus moves. An ultrasound may also be done to check fluid levels and the health of the fetus.

Preeclampsia Treatments: Delivery of your baby is the only cure for preeclampsia .

During pregnancy , your doctor will monitor and manage your condition to ensure you and your baby stay healthy. If you are 37 weeks or later, your doctor may induce labor. At this point, the baby has developed enough and is only minimally premature.

If your preeclampsia is mild, your doctor may recommend:

• bed rest
• Reduction in your salt intake
• drink more water
• Make regular visits to the doctor

In some cases, you may be given medication to help lower your blood pressure . If your condition is serious, your doctor may want to admit you to the hospital for more thorough monitoring. You may be given intravenous (IV) drugs to lower your blood pressure or steroid injections to help your baby’s lungs develop faster.

Delivery may be the only safe option if your preeclampsia is severe enough to endanger the health of you or your unborn baby. This may be the case even if your baby is delivered prematurely. Signs of severe preeclampsia include:

• Changes in fetal heart rate that indicate distress
• Abdominal pain
• seizures
• impaired kidney function
• fluid in the lungs

You should see your doctor if you notice any abnormal signs or symptoms during pregnancy . Your main concern should be your health and the health of your baby.

Complications of Preeclampsia : Preeclampsiacan be fatal for both mother and child if left untreated. Other complications can include:

• bleeding problems
• Rupture of the placenta from the uterine wall
• liver damage

Complications for the baby can also occur if they were born too early.