Recognizing and Treating Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a condition that can only happen while a woman is pregnant and during the postpartum time following the birth of the baby. It is sometimes called toxemia. Preeclampsia has been found to be the most common during first pregnancies. It can also happen when mom is expecting twins, or God Bless her, triplets. Preeclampsia seems to have some connection to genetics, as multiple members of the same family may experience this disorder. Preeclampsia or Pregnancy Induced Hypertension develops in the second half of the pregnancy. Support and research organizations estimate that ten to fifteen percent of expectant moms will develop this condition in their first pregnancy.

Preeclampsia can be a dangerous and life threatening condition for mom and for baby. The main threat from preeclampsia is elevated blood pressure. Some women report head aches, abdominal pains and may have edema, swelling of their hands, face and feet, or problems with vision . Some may have reduced urine output, or vomiting. Still others may experience almost no symptoms, and are rushed to the hospital because the toxemia has advanced to a dangerous stage. This can cause convulsions and actually shut down internal organs, like the liver and kidneys. This can be a serious life threatening situation.

Other than these symptoms, or sometime just mom having a feeling something just isn't quite right, regularly scheduled OBGYN visits can determine the risks for Preeclampsia. Routine urine testing will often pick up high levels of protein, and blood tests will show a corresponding drop in these same protein levels. Comparisons of blood pressure levels charted through out the course of the pregnancy are a must.

One of the risks to your baby if you have preeclampsia is reduced flow of oxygen and nourishment through the placenta. If you have preeclampsia the surest way to protect you and baby are delivery. Sometimes this is not possible because the pregnancy has not progressed far enough, and the baby's lungs are not sufficiently developed. Management of preeclampsia can include proper medication to try and lower your blood pressure and lots of bed rest. Your doctor may recommend an aspirin a day and calcium supplements. While at rest lay on your left side, as this can improve blood flow through your larger blood vessels. Delivery is generally scheduled before the due date.Your doctor will either induce labor with medicine or schedule a Cesarean section. With awareness of the condition, your doctor's guidance, and active treatment to reduce risks many woman are able to safely deliver happy healthy babies.