Preeclampsyia: Signs, Symptoms and Suggestions

My sister recently delivered twins as an emergency C-section after developing an acute episode of preeclampsia. This is a serious condition that affects not only women expecting multiples, but all women-- especially first time pregnancies.

Preeclampsia is a very serious complication during pregnancy. A lack of treatment can cause eclampsia, which can lead not only to seizures and coma but even result in death of both the mother and babies.

Preeclampsia and other high blood pressure disorders are attributed to 76,000 maternal and baby deaths per year. Approximately 5-8% of all pregnancies are affected by preeclampsia. What exactly is this condition? Preeclampsia used to be called Toxemia because it was once thought that the mother was carrying something toxic in the blood stream causing the babies and mother to become sick, this was disproven.

It is unknown what causes preeclampsia precisely. It is however suspected that high body fat, poor uterine blood flow; damage to blood vessels of the placenta, immune system deficits, and poor diet play a strong roll. In addition, risk factors include age greater than thirty-five, obesity, multiple pregnancies, gestational diabetes, and mother's medical history of high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease or lupus.

Preeclampsia can have quick or gradual symptoms that can be life threatening for both mother and babies. After approximately 20 weeks of fetal gestation the mother starts exhibiting high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Any protein in the urine is an indication that there is a serious problem with Mom's kidney function. High blood pressure or hypertension is considered to be 140mmHg/90mmHg. The two proteins in the body that are not being processed cause problems with the circulation stopping growth and development of vessels. It may be the placental blood vessels developing an abnormality.

Symptoms include severe headache; vision changes (blurred or light sensitivity); upper abdominal pain under the ribs on the right side; nausea or vomiting; elevated blood pressure (hypertension), excess protein in the urine, decrease urine output, sudden weight gain greater than two pounds a week, swelling in the face and hands (not as only symptom because that is normal in pregnancy).

The only cure is delivery. This depends on the readiness of the cervix, and gestational age of the baby. Delivery is not a big deal if the gestational age of your baby is almost to term assuring that the lung buds are developed. If the baby needs more developmental time your doctor may indicate bed rest, sitting and standing only when necessary to just limiting activities. Your doctor may if have you admitted to the hospital for constant observation to checking in several times a week with your physician at their office.

Your doctor may check the amount of amniotic fluid using ultrasound, to make sure the blood supply to the babies are good. Sometimes drugs like corticosteroids are given to improve kidney and blood platelets function for Mom. This drug is also used to improve the babies' lung function within the first 48 hours of its use. Your blood pressure will rebound almost immediately, but may not be back to normal for a few weeks.

Prevention is the most important aspect. An example would be weight control prior to pregnancy in conjunction with taking a multivitamin. A recent study indicated that doing these two things reduces your risk by 70%. Another aspect of survival once you have this condition is recognition. Monitoring throughout your pregnancy by your OB/GYN is key. Regularly scheduled prenatal check-ups and early identification will keep you and your babies safe. If ever have symptoms that are listed above, it may be a life threatening emergency and seeking medical attention immediately is necessary.