Pregnancy can be difficult sometimes. Many women can experience other serious conditions during the pregnancy that can affect their procedure and overall health. Preeclampsia is one of these serious conditions that happen during pregnancy, and if it is left untreated, it can threaten the life of both the mother and the baby. So, raising self-awareness about this condition is necessary. This short article will teach about preeclampsia’s meaning, symptoms, and treatments.
Preeclampsia Meaning
Preeclampsia is a condition taking shape during the pregnancy around 20 weeks or later. It is a warning signal that the body sends and shows that something isn’t right. Preeclampsia is when the pregnant person experiences high blood pressure, known as hypertension. They also may experience high levels of protein in their urine.
Preeclampsia Meaning
Preeclampsia usually develops after 20 weeks or later, and it can happen also after childbirth. Preeclampsia should be treated immediately, and if it is left untreated, it can be dangerous for the baby and the mother. Preeclampsia has a variety of symptoms, which we will talk about further.
Preeclampsia Symptoms
Preeclampsia has a variety of symptoms, and high levels of blood pressure and protein in the urine are only some of them. Along with these dangerous symptoms, preeclampsia can show other signs of kidney problems and decreased levels of platelets in the blood, which is called thrombocytopenia.
Having severe headaches and high levels of changes in vision, such as seeing things blurry or being sensitive to the light, are also some symptoms that can happen during preeclampsia. Shortness of breath, pain in the upper belly, and vomiting are also common symptoms of preeclampsia, which are dangerous.
Preeclampsia Causes
Preeclampsia doesn’t have any exact cause, and many doctors believe that several risk factors can lead to preeclampsia. For instance, many doctors think that preeclampsia often begins with problems in the placenta, which is the main organ that nourishes the baby during the pregnancy. When the blood vessels in the placenta stop their functions, it can trigger preeclampsia. Moreover, blood vessel problems and reduction of blood flow to organs such as kidneys and liver can also cause preeclampsia.
Abnormal reactions of the immune system during the pregnancy and genetic factors are also linked to preeclampsia. So, if your mother or sister had preeclampsia, you might get this condition, too.
Preeclampsia Diagnosis
Preeclampsia Diagnosis is done through regular prenatal check-ups and different tests. It is a rare condition, but following a combination of regular check-ups and tests can be a good thing to do. Checking blood pressure after the 20th week of pregnancy and doing urine tests to check the protein in the urine are some of the common tests that are done by your healthcare provider.
Preeclampsia Causes
High levels of blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine are the common red flags of preeclampsia. Other symptoms, such as blurry vision and severe headaches, can also be the key signs of preeclampsia.
Preeclampsia Treatment
Firstly, preeclampsia treatments depend on how severe your condition is. There is no certain cure for preeclampsia treatment besides only delivering the baby. An early delivery can be suggested by the doctor if you are 37 weeks pregnant.
C-section is the safest type of delivery if you are having preeclampsia. The main goal of treatment for preeclampsia cases is safeguarding the health of the mother and the baby.
Medications may be used to keep blood pressure levels controlled, and if the mother is going to have early delivery, some other medications, such as corticosteroids, are also used to speed up the development of the baby.
Complications of Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia has some complications that can affect the health of both the mother and the baby. Preeclampsia can lead to preterm and unplanned birth, which has its risks, such as breathing and feeding difficulties for the baby or even hearing and vision problems.
Preeclampsia can also increase the risk of placental abruption, leading to heavy bleeding and dangerous conditions for the child and the mother. Another complication of preeclampsia is HELLP Syndrome, which affects the liver and blood and stands for Hemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells), Elevated Liver enzymes (liver damage), and Low Platelet count (blood clotting).
Who Is More Likely to be Diagnosed with Preeclampsia?
As it was mentioned earlier, there isn’t any exact cause for preeclampsia. However, certain risk factors can increase the risk of getting preeclampsia during pregnancy or after childbirth.
Preeclampsia Treatment
For example, if you’ve had a history of high blood pressure, kidney disease, or diabetes, you will be more likely to experience preeclampsia. Autoimmune conditions such as lupus or a history of preeclampsia in the past pregnancy can also put you at risk of preeclampsia.
Bear in mind that these risk factors will only increase the risk of getting preeclampsia, and in most cases, this rare condition doesn’t happen.
How to Prevent Preeclampsia?
To reduce the risk of preeclampsia or prevent it, following certain rules can help you and lower the chances. Losing weight and managing blood pressure and blood sugar are the key things to do to prevent preeclampsia and have a safer pregnancy.
A regular exercise routine and choosing healthier lifestyle choices can also help your body to maintain more control. Enough sleep, eating healthy foods, avoiding too much fast food, putting foods that are low in salt in your daily routine, and lastly, avoiding too much caffeine can also prevent and reduce the risk of getting preeclampsia.
Preeclampsia vs. Eclampsia
Preeclampsia and eclampsia are both pregnancy-related conditions. Eclampsia is more severe compared to preeclampsia. Severe preeclampsia can lead to eclampsia, which may include seizures or coma and be more life-threatening.
Preeclampsia is more manageable than eclampsia, and it doesn’t require emergency treatments. Eclampsia treatments require ways to prevent seizures, and it includes immediate delivery of the baby.
Both conditions should be checked with healthcare providers, and it is important to do regular prenatal check-ups to detect and manage any condition during the pregnancy.
Preeclampsia Symptoms
Facts about Preeclampsia
- Preeclampsia develops after the 20th week of pregnancy. It can also happen after childbirth.
- There is no exact cure for preeclampsia yet, and a person with preeclampsia should be monitored or deliver the baby if she is close to full-term pregnancy.
- It is possible to deliver the baby naturally, but it is safer with a C-section.
- If you have blurry vision, hypertension or high levels of blood pressure, severe headaches, and protein in the urine, it can be a red flag of preeclampsia.
- Preeclampsia can have long-term risks, such as a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure in their life.
- Preeclampsia is a rare condition, and only 5 to 8 percent of people globally get this condition.
Finally
In conclusion, preeclampsia is a life-threatening condition that happens during pregnancy, and it should be treated immediately to safeguard the health of both the mother and the child. High blood pressure, protein in the urine, and potential organ damage are some of the symptoms and risks of preeclampsia. This condition is so serious that it can even happen after childbirth and develop postpartum. So, with raising awareness, timely intervention, and proper medical care, preeclampsia can be treated. Lastly, always remember that with healthy lifestyle choices, you can avoid a lot of serious medical conditions.
