Pregnancy isn’t a cake walk, it comes with a lot of complications.
High blood pressure and swelling during pregnancy is a condition called preeclampsia. Preeclampsia and eclampsia are part of the spectrum of high blood pressure. Preeclampsia occurs during the 20th week of pregnancy. A mild case of preeclampsia does not harm the foetus. Severe preeclampsia can lead to preterm birth. If preeclampsia is not treated it can develop into eclampsia, a life-threatening condition.
In this article, we will explain to you about factors causing preeclampsia and how to get treated.
Preeclampsia in pregnancy develops during the third trimester. Preeclampsia affects around five percent of pregnancies in the world. Preeclampsia symptoms include a sudden rise in blood pressure and severe swelling of the hands and face. Women with preeclampsia have fluid retention and protein in the urine. Preeclampsia can cause growth problems in the foetus. Preeclampsia causes may include insufficient blood flow to the uterus, genetic problems and damage to the blood vessels.
If preeclampsia is not treated and affects brain functions, it is called eclampsia. A woman suffering from eclampsia may have seizures and coma. Like preeclampsia, eclampsia occurs during pregnancy or after delivery. Eclampsia is a life-threatening condition.
Preeclampsia symptoms generally include high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Monitoring blood pressure during pregnancy is important for prenatal care. Blood pressure may exceed 140/90 millimetres of mercury or greater.
Preeclampsia signs may include:-
A point to remember- Some of these complications occur during normal pregnancy also. So it is very important to attend all the prenatal sessions to diagnose severe problems. .- HERA
Sometimes preeclampsia doesn’t develop any symptoms. Thus it’s important to measure blood pressure regularly. Regular prenatal care is the best way to catch preeclampsia in its early stage. Preeclampsia diagnosis may include-
A blood pressure reading above 140/90 millimetres is an indicator of preeclampsia. Monitoring blood pressure during pregnancy can help to diagnose preeclampsia.
Preeclampsia diagnosis is also done by assessing the amount of protein in the urine. This indicates the severity of preeclampsia.
Blood test will be conducted to measure the proper functioning of kidneys and liver. This test shows if the blood is clotting properly in the kidney and liver.
The baby’s progress will be regularly monitored to make sure the baby is growing properly.
The doctor monitors the baby’s heartbeat when they move. An abnormal heartbeat can be an indicator of preeclampsia.
Mild preeclampsia treatment may include more monitoring by the doctor. Preeclampsia is not cured until the baby is not delivered. Prenatal sessions are very crucial to treat preeclampsia. Preeclampsia management will help to have a healthy baby. Knowing how to prevent preeclampsia can also help to reduce the risk. The following medications may be recommended for treatment of preeclampsia-
If a woman is having mild preeclampsia symptoms, the doctor may ask her to rest in bed. Resting helps to bring blood pressure down. It increases the flow of blood to the placenta and benefits the baby.
If preeclampsia symptoms develop during the end of pregnancy, the doctor may advise early delivery. In very severe cases either labour is induced or caesarean delivery is done. The symptoms of preeclampsia should go away within a few weeks of delivery.
Preeclampsia cannot be fully prevented, but there are some steps to help in preeclampsia management. The steps that can help in preeclampsia prevention includes:-
HERA pro tip – Prenatal Vitamin D supplements can help to reduce the risk of preeclampsia. Soaking in sunshine for 15 minutes a day during pregnancy will be beneficial..- HERA
There are many risk factors for preeclampsia. It develops as a complication during pregnancy. Preeclampsia risk factors may include
Complications of preeclampsia are higher if it develops during early pregnancy. Preeclampsia complications may include
Postpartum after delivery is very rare. Most cases resolve after delivery. Sometimes Postpartum preeclampsia develops after a normal pregnancy also. It can be treated with regular check-ups and proper medications.
Preeclampsia is a common complication during pregnancy. Proper prenatal check-ups and care will be helpful in preeclampsia treatment. You should never ignore rising blood pressure and seek medical help immediately.