Preeclampsia When Pregnancy Becomes Dangerous Instead of Nurturing

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication that may occur during pregnancy. It is a serious condition that requires urgent medical attention. If not properly managed, it can lead to severe health consequences for both the mother and the baby. Therefore, understanding its causes, warning signs, and prevention methods is very important for expectant mothers

 

Understanding Preeclampsia

    Preeclampsia is a condition that develops during pregnancy and causes abnormalities in the blood vessels and various organs in the body. It usually begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy and is more commonly found in women who are pregnant for the first time or who have had preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy.

 

Those who are at risk of preeclampsia include women with the following risk factors

- First-time mothers
- A previous history of preeclampsia
- Maternal age over 35 years
- Pre-existing high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney disease before pregnancy
- Being overweight or having a body mass index (BMI) over 30
- Mothers experiencing high levels of stress
- Individuals with abnormalities of the placenta or umbilical cord
 

Warning Signs of Preeclampsia

Symptoms that may indicate preeclampsia include

- Abnormally high blood pressure (higher than 140/90 mmHg)
- Protein in the urine
- Severe headache
- Blurred vision or double vision
- Nausea and vomiting
- Swelling of the hands, feet, or face
- Unusual or extreme fatigue
 

Severity Levels of Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia can vary in severity, including:

 - Mild preeclampsia: Slightly elevated blood pressure and protein in the urine, but no other symptoms.
 - Moderate preeclampsia: Higher blood pressure along with other symptoms such as headache, blurred vision, and swelling.
 - Severe preeclampsia: Very high blood pressure, a significant amount of protein in the urine, and severe symptoms such as intense headache, vomiting, blurred vision, and severe swelling.

Complications of Preeclampsia

If not treated promptly, preeclampsia can lead to serious complications that may affect both the mother and the baby, such as:
- Bleeding
- Blood clots
- Liver abnormalities
- Kidney abnormalities
- Nervous system complications
- Low birth weight or premature birth
- Stillbirth or death of the baby after delivery

Diagnosis of Preeclampsia

Diagnosing preeclampsia requires both a physical examination and laboratory tests, including:

- Blood pressure measurement
- Urine test for protein
- Blood tests to check electrolyte and hormone levels
- Ultrasound examination of the placenta

 

Treatment of Preeclampsia

Treatment for preeclampsia depends on its severity. It may involve medication to control blood pressure, or in severe cases, early delivery may be considered to prevent danger to both the mother and the baby.

 

Prevention of Preeclampsia

- Maintain a healthy weight
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid stress
- Eat a balanced and nutritious diet
- Attend regular prenatal check-ups as scheduled

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How is preeclampsia different from high blood pressure during pregnancy?
Preeclampsia is a condition in which high blood pressure occurs together with protein in the urine, and it may also be accompanied by other symptoms such as headache, blurred vision, and swelling. In contrast, high blood pressure during pregnancy may occur without these additional symptoms.

2. At what stage of pregnancy can preeclampsia occur?
Preeclampsia usually begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy, but it may develop at any time during pregnancy. Therefore, pregnant women should monitor their symptoms closely throughout the entire pregnancy.

3. How is preeclampsia treated?
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. It may include medication to control blood pressure, and in more severe cases, early delivery may be necessary to prevent harm to the mother and the baby.

 

 

Source : Princsuvarnabhumi

**Translated and compiled by ArokaGO Content Team