Complications in Pregnancy

Pregnancy Symptoms

Staying Fit During Your Pregnancy

Fun Ways to Announce Your Pregnancy

A Guide To Your Pregnancy

Pregnancy Stretch Marks

Preparing the kids for Pregnancy

Wives Tales and Pregnancy

Morning Sickness During Pregnancy

Halloween Pregnancy Ideas

Breastfeeding While Pregnant

Eating During Pregnancy

Holidays During Pregnancy

Concerns During Pregnancy

Complication in Pregnancy - Diabetes

How to Lose Weight After Pregnancy




 

What is preeclampsia ?

Pre-eclampsia is characterised by high blood pressure, swelling that happens suddenly and is perhaps accompanied by rapid weight gain in the second half of pregnancy, and protein in the urine.

Pre-eclampsia can range from mild to severe and, although it cannot be cured, it can be managed. Since it reduces the flow of blood to the placenta, it can be quite dangerous for your unborn baby. If you have any reason to suspect that you might have pre-eclampsia, contact your doctor immediately. If pre-eclampsia develops into eclampsia, your blood pressure will become extremely high and both you and your baby will be at risk.

Are some women more likely to develop preeclampsia ?

Pre-eclampsia isn't particularly common; affecting only about seven in every 100 pregnant women. You're more likely to get it in a first pregnancy or if you are having a baby with a new partner. Where a woman has changed partners, her risk of pre-eclampsia rises, even if she did not have it in her previous pregnancy with another partner.
You are also more at risk if you:

• are under 20 or over 35

• have a BMI of 35 or more (90kg or more weight)

• have a chronic medical problem, including high blood pressure, lupus, kidney problems, diabetes and, to a lesser extent, migraine

• are carrying twins or multiples

• have a family history of pre-eclampsia, particularly if it occurred in your mother or sister

• have had it before

• had your last baby 10 years ago or more.

How can I prevent Preeclampsia ?

The best way of ensuring that neither you nor your baby comes to any harm if you do develop pre-eclampsia is to attend your antenatal appointments regularly. The main reason for the urine tests and blood pressure readings carried out by your doctor when you go to your antenatal appointments is to detect any early signs of pre-eclampsia. There is some evidence to suggest that regular low-dose aspirin and calcium supplements may help pre-eclampsia in some women.

If I get preeclampsia, how will it be treated ?

If your blood pressure is moderately raised, you will be advised to have as much bedrest as possible, lying either on your left hand side because this improves the flow of blood to the placenta, or sitting well propped up. Your doctor may ask you to get your blood pressure checked on a daily basis. If your blood pressure becomes very high, you might be admitted to hospital so that your condition can be monitored. Scans will be used to monitor your baby's growth and wellbeing. The aim is to prolong your pregnancy as long as possible, to give your baby the best chance. You may also be given magnesium sulphate injections. A large research study published in 2002 found that if mothers with pre-eclampsia are given magnesium sulphate, it roughly halves the risk of developing eclampsia.

If your blood pressure cannot be controlled, your doctor may suggest that you have your labour induced or that you deliver your baby by caesarean section.

What are the warning signs for preeclampsia ?

Pre-eclampsia is a serious condition. In rare cases it can lead to complications such as HELLP syndrome which can develop before the pre-eclampsia has been diagnosed. Symptoms of HELLP syndrome include headaches, nausea and pain in your upper abdomen.

Occasionally pre-eclampsia develops very quickly. So, if you have any sudden swelling, or intense headaches accompanied by blurred vision or spots before the eyes, or if you have severe pain in the top of your abdomen, don't hesitate to call your doctor. Early detection and care can make a big difference in the course of pre-eclampsia.