Preeclampsia is a complication that can happen in pregnant women. It is associated with at least one symptom like high blood pressure, and protein in the urine that indicate kidney damage. It usually begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy in women whose blood pressure had previously been under control.
If left untreated, preeclampsia can result in serious and fatal complications for both the mother and new-born. Early delivery is the only cure for preeclampsia and even after delivery, the symptoms may last for 6 weeks and more. The timing of delivery depends on the severity of the condition and weeks of pregnancy. Preeclampsia treatment includes continuous blood pressure monitoring and medications to control blood pressure and avert complications.
But in a few cases, it develops after the delivery of a baby known as postpartum preeclampsia.
Read this article to learn more about causes, signs and symptoms and treatment options for preeclampsia.
Signs And Symptoms
The key feature of preeclampsia is high blood pressure, proteinuria, or signs of damage to kidneys or other vital organs. You may not have any observable symptoms. The first signs are often identified during routine prenatal visits with your gynaecologist.
Other signs and symptoms may include:
- Protein leakage in urine(proteinuria)
- Decreased levels of platelets in the blood
- Increased liver enzymes
- Severe headaches
- Vision changes
- Shortness of breath
- Pain in the upper stomach, typically under the ribs on the right side
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sudden weight gain or edema mainly in the face and hands may be a sign of preeclampsia
Also Read: Planning For A Pregnancy? Watch Out For These Symptoms In Early Stages
Causes
The cause of preeclampsia possibly involves several factors. Healthcare providers believe it starts in the placenta – the organ that offers nutrients to the foetus throughout the pregnancy. In the early trimester of pregnancy, new blood vessels form and progress to deliver oxygen and vital nutrients to the placenta.
With preeclampsia, these blood vessels don’t develop or work properly. And problems with how efficiently blood flow in the placenta may result in improper regulation of blood pressure in pregnant women.
Other high blood pressure disorders during pregnancy include:
- Gestational hypertension
- Chronic hypertension is a condition that prevails before pregnancy or develops 20 weeks of pregnancy or if it continues more than three months after a pregnancy
Risk Factors
Certain medical conditions that are associated with a higher risk of preeclampsia include:
- Preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy
- Pregnant with more than one baby (twins or triplets)
- Chronic high blood pressure
- Type 1 or type 2 diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Autoimmune disorders
- Use of in vitro fertilization
- Obesity
- Family history of preeclampsia
- Maternal age of 35 or older
- Complications in a previous pregnancy
Diagnosis
Preeclampsia is confirmed if you develop high blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy and with at least one of the following indications:
- Protein in your urine indicates a damaged kidney
- Other signs of kidney problems
- A low blood platelet count
- Elevated liver enzymes showing a damaged liver
- Fluid in the lungs
- Persistent headaches that don't settle after taking pain medication
- Vision disturbances
- High blood pressure
Also Read: Pregnancy Test: What Is It And What To Expect?
In pregnancy if the systolic pressure is 140 mm Hg or higher or if the diastolic pressure is 90 mm Hg or higher it is diagnosed as high blood pressure.
Your gynaecologist will also recommend additional blood works to check for any other signs and symptoms of preeclampsia.
Blood tests are done to measure the amount of blood platelets and also liver and kidney function tests are examined.
Urine analysis is suggested to determine how well the kidneys are functioning.
Fetal ultrasound is done to closely monitor the baby’s growth and amount of amniotic fluid in the uterus.
A nonstress test is a simple procedure that checks the baby’s heart rate while the baby moves.
A biophysical profile uses an ultrasound to determine the baby’s breathing, muscle tone, movements, and volume of amniotic fluid.
Treatment
The ultimate goal of treatment is to deliver the baby safely or manage the condition under control until it is the right time to deliver the baby. However, your gynaecologist takes this decision depending on the severity of the condition, gestational age and overall health of the mother and neonate.
Pregnant women with preeclampsia need frequent follow-up visits to monitor blood pressure, and changes in symptoms and access the health condition of the baby. Also, you will be advised to monitor your blood pressure regularly at home.
Severe preeclampsia needs you to be admitted to the hospital to check blood pressure and possible complication. Also, the growth and well-being of the baby are constantly monitored.
Gynaecologists prescribe medications to treat severe preeclampsia including:
- Antihypertensive drugs to lower blood pressure
- Anticonvulsant medication to prevent seizures
- Corticosteroids to promote the development of baby’s lungs before delivery
Delivery
If preeclampsia isn’t that severe then your gynaecologists may suggest preterm delivery after 37 weeks. With severe preeclampsia, your gynaecologists will recommend delivery before 37 weeks, depending on the complication and health of the baby.
Also, the method of delivery may be vaginal or C-section which depends on the severity of the condition, and the gestational age of the baby.
After Delivery
Post-delivery you need to be monitored for high blood pressure and other signs of preeclampsia. Also, you would be advised to seek medical help if you develop signs of postpartum preeclampsia, like severe headaches, vision changes, severe abdomen pain, nausea and vomiting.
