About Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a complication of pregnancy which sometimes occurs after the twentieth week. It is vital that this life-threatening condition be addressed to prevent distress in the fetus or the mother. The possibility of dangerous complications such as preeclampsia is one of many reasons why regular medical checkups are important during pregnancy.

Preeclampsia can lead to destruction of vital red blood cells, placental abruption, loss of blood flow to the uterus, or separation of the placenta from the uterus. An extreme outcome can be seizures, coma and brain damage. Expectant mothers should never ignore warning signs of this condition.

There are several possible causes for preeclampsia which are all being researched. Possibilities include poor diet, a compromised immune system, blood vessel damage or insufficient blood flow to the uterus.

Preeclampsia was once called "toxemia" because the condition was thought to be caused by poisons in the mother's bloodstream. This theory has since been discounted.

Symptoms

Women with preeclampsia will have higher blood pressure, from slight to extreme. There will usually be protein in the urine. There can be swelling and weight gain, headaches, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, or pain in the upper abdomen. Vision may become blurry.

The expectant mother should report to the emergency room immediately upon experiencing severe abdominal pain, blurred vision or severe headaches. Other symptoms indicative of preeclampsia necessitate a call to the doctor.

At higher risk

Although exact reasons for preeclampsia have not been named, it has been shown that some expectant mothers are at higher risk to develop the condition.

Risks are higher for women with other medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or those who suffer from migraine headache. Women who develop gestational diabetes are also at higher risk for preeclampsia.

Age may also be a factor, with greater risk for those women under twenty and over forty years of age. First pregnancies, many years between pregnancies and those with a family history of preeclampsia are also at a higher risk for developing the condition.

Also at higher risk are expectant mothers who are grossly overweight.

Other research indicates that women with Vitamin D deficiency or with certain proteins in their urine or blood may be at higher risk for preeclampsia. It has hoped that this promising research may lead to a definitive blood or urine test for preeclampsia at some time in the near future.

Treatment

Treatment for preeclampsia may include bed rest, sometimes in the hospital if the case is severe. Delivery is recommended if the mother is far enough along in the pregnancy for this to be safe.

Medications for hypertension may be prescribed. Anticonvulsives may be given for seizure prevention if the case is considered severe enough. Corticosteroids may improve organ function in the mother, and also may help develop the baby's lungs if preparation is being made for an early delivery.

With proper medical care and regular checkups, the chances of an expectant mother developing preeclampsia are slim. It has hoped that ongoing research soon leads to definitive testing for this life-threatening condition of pregnancy.

Sources:

National Institute of Health

Mayo Clinic

Signet/Mosby Medical Encyclopedia