Pre eclampsia

Preeclampsia is a serious complication of pregnancy that affects as many as 5-8% of all pregnant women. It can be fatal for both mother and baby without the proper medical treatment and therefore ALL pregnant women should be familiar with the signs and symptoms that mean they may be developing preeclampsia. Preeclampsia occurs after 20 weeks gestation and in general the earlier you develop symptoms the more serious the case, the only cure for preeclampsia is delivery of the baby and many women with preeclampsia have not choice but to deliver their baby before 38 weeks. There are ways to manage preeclampsia that can help extend pregnancy by extra days or weeks but if you are over 36 weeks chances are you will have your baby induced or delivered by c-section. Having said all that if you have been diasgnosed with or are at risk of preeclampsia, dont worry be vigilant when it comes to looking for symptoms but try not to let the worry spoil your pregnancy, in the developing world and with prompt medical care preeclampsia need not put your life at risk. 

Symptoms of preeclampsia 

The most severe symptoms include an headache which is severe and doesnt go away even with over the couter pain relief. Any changes in vision, ranging from seeing spots or light through to loss of vision or sensitivity to light. You could also experience upper abdominal pain, normally on the right side, nausea, dizziness, decreased urination, or sudden wieght gain. Swelling of the ankles or especially the face or hands is also a symptom althugh this can ocur to a certain extent with normal pregnancies. 

Risk factors for preeclampsia 

A history of preeclampsia - if you have had one or more pregnancies that ended with preeclampsia you have a higher risk of developing it again. A family history could also increase your risk. 
First pregnancy. The risk is higher if you are going through your first pregnancy
First pregnancy with a new partner - the risk is again higher if you have new partner (i.e a different father than your other children)
Over 35. If you are over 35 the risk of preeclampsia increases
Obesity. Obese mother have a higher risk of preeclampsia
Mulitiple pregnancy. If your are expecting twins or more than the risl of preeclampsia is higher
Pre-exsisting conditions. Conditions such as kidney diease or chronic hypertension can also increase your risk of developing preeclampsia. 

Testing for preeclampsia 

If your midwife or doctor suspects you may have preeclampsia they will check your blood pressure a number of times probably over a few hours, a reading that is consistently over 140/90 or much higher than your normal blood pressure is a sign of preeclampsia. They will also ask for a urine sample and test it for protein, again protein in a urine sample can be a sign of preeclampsia - they may ask for a blood test then or at a further check which will test kindey and liver function. The doctor may also ask you to go for another ultrasound or at the very least keep a close eye on the health of your baby to make sure that preeclampsia isnt affected his or her growth. 

Treating preeclampsia 

The only real "cure" for preeclampsia is delivery, however if the condition has developed early in your pregnancy delivery could put the life of your baby at risk and so your doctor will proabably try to extend your pregnancy for as long as possible, at this stage every day is important for your baby in the womb. You may also be given medication to try and kep your blood pressure under control. 

If the preeclampsia is relatively mild you may be told to rest at home, with frequent checks and warned to look out for symptoms that the preeclampsia is progressing. If your preeclampsia is more severe you will be admitted to hospital and monitored there.

In either case if your preeclampsia is getting worse or your baby is starting to show signs of distress it is best to deliver the baby as soon as possible.

 

 

After delivery

 

 

After your baby is born your blood pressure should return to normal within a few days or weeksm for some women however it can take longer and if you have been on blood pressure lowering drugs you will have to wean off them slowly.