| Understanding
Preeclampsia |
By:
Susan Tanner |
|
What
is preeclampsia?
Once known as toxemia, it is caused by a defect in the
placenta which causes a pregnant woman's blood
pressure to rise, endangering mother and baby.
Affecting about 7% all pregnancies, it is the most
common of the serious complications of pregnancy.
About one in 50 women are afflicted by severe
preeclampsia.
In severe cases, preeclampsia can be very dangerous to
both mother and baby. The mother could develop
seizures and, due to the possibility of a low platelet
count caused by the disease, could hemorrhage. In the
meantime the baby would be living in a hostile
environment due to the elevated blood pressure. There
would be a reduced level of blood flow to the baby,
which would result in a reduced flow of oxygen and
nourishment.
Am I at risk of preeclampsia?
Those most at risk are women with family histories of
preeclampsia, long-standing high blood pressure or
kidney disease, pregnancy-induced diabetes, autoimmune
diseases such as systemic lupus, and those over 40
years old.
When in pregnancy does preeclampsia occur?
Preeclampsia is a disease that usually afflicts the
second half of pregnancy, usually within the last
weeks of a woman's term. In certain cases, such as
those with risk factors, it can occur much earlier.
What are the symptoms of preeclampsia?
Some symptoms include blurred vision, headaches,
upper-right abdominal pain, swelling in the hands or
face, infrequent urination, and rapid weight gain.
Unfortunately, many of these symptoms are not specific
only to preeclampsia; many of them are also associated
with a normal pregnancy. Because of this, it is
important to talk to your doctor about preeclampsia to
be sure.
The most common indicator of preeclampsia is an
elevation in blood pressure. For some women, a blood
pressure of 130/80 can signal the condition, while
others may not be diagnosed until their blood pressure
is much higher. It all depends on the base blood
pressure. If the upper number goes up by 30 or if the
bottom number goes up by 15, preeclampsia is
suspected.
How will my doctor be sure?
Blood tests can be done, and preeclampsia can be
indicated by a low platelet count or abnormal liver or
kidney test results. Protein in the woman's urine can
also lead to diagnosis of the situation.
Is there a cure?
Preeclampsia is curable only by delivery. In severe
cases, the doctor may insist on a caesarian section.
Delivery of babies early due to preeclampsia includes
an added risk of death due to prematurity.
Will preeclampsia reoccur?
About ten percent of women will have preeclampsia in a
subsequent pregnancy. The chances of reoccurrence
increase in women with high risk factors.
Are there any permanent side effects?
There are no long term effects associated with
preeclampsia. About ten percent of women with
preeclampsia may have high blood pressure for a few
weeks after delivery. Although it may cause very high
blood pressure during pregnancy, preeclampsia is not a
predictor of high blood pressure later in life.
Susan Tanner is a wife and mother of three. She is
also the editor of pregnancy-guide.net.
Pregnancy-Guide is an online community for mothers to
find support and valuable information. Please visit
Pregnancy-Guide at http://www.pregnancy-guide.net |
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