Preeclampsia: What Does it Mean for My Pregnancy?

Preeclampsia, also known as toxemia and pregnancy-induced hypertension, is a potentially serious complication that effects 5-8% of pregnant women. The condition only occurs during pregnancy and can have a profound effect on both mother and baby.

What Causes Preeclampsia?
Doctors have discovered several factors in the development of the condition:
-Lack of blood flow to the uterus
-Damaged blood vessels in the mother
-Poor diet
-Lack of magnesium or calcium

There are also several risk factors associated with toxemia:
-Obesity
-Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.)
-First pregnancy
-Mother is over 35
-Preeclampsia with a previous pregnancy

What are the Symptoms of Preeclampsia?
High blood pressure, vision problems, and excessive amounts of protein in the urine may signify preeclampsia in a woman. Severe headaches or abdominal pain are also warning signs. The condition usually develops after 20 weeks gestation, and can come on mildly over time, or suddenly and forcefully. Some women begin to experience symptoms dramatically, while others have such mild indications of the condition, that they may not even find out that they have it.

How Serious is the Condition?
The risks associated with preeclampsia vary depending on the severity of the symptoms, and when they appear during the pregnancy. In the United States, most preeclampsia cases are mild and occur very near the end of pregnancy. Since the only cure for preeclampsia is the delivery of the baby, when the condition is found after 36 weeks gestation, an induction is usually scheduled immediately. However, if it is discovered earlier in pregnancy, the woman and her doctor are faced with the task of prolonging the length of the pregnancy to allow more time for the baby to develop, while managing increasingly dangerous symptoms. In severe cases. preeclampsia can cause maternal as well as fetal death. Globally, preeclampsia and related conditions are the leading cause of death for pregnant women and their babies.

How is it Treated?
Preeclampsia disappears within a few days after delivery when the mother's blood pressure returns to normal. Though delivery cures the condition, delivery may not be the best thing for your baby if you are not near the end of your pregnancy. Bed rest is the most oft-prescribed treatment for preeclampsia so that by lack of activity and exertion, the mother's blood pressure will stabilize and allow the baby more time to grow. In severe cases, the mother may need to be on strict bed rest in a hospital. Medications may be administered to improve the mother's blood pressure, regulate the mother's platelets or liver function, or to stimulate the baby's lungs to mature more rapidly.

As with most pregnancy conditions, early diagnosis and treatment are essential for securing a positive outcome for you and your baby. Be sure to receive quality prenatal care and contact your doctor with any concerns.