Pre-Eclampsia
Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition that includes elevated blood pressure. Specifically, it is the new onset of high blood pressure and proteinuria (protein in the uterine) in a pregnant woman who is beyond 20 weeks gestation.
According to BabyCenter, "Preeclampsia causes the blood vessels to constrict, resulting in high blood pressure and a reduced blood flow that can affect organs in your body, such as your liver, kidneys, and brain.
When less blood flows to your uterus, it can mean problems for your baby, such as poor growth, too little amniotic fluid, and placental abruption (when the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery). In addition, your baby may suffer the effects of prematurity if you need to deliver early to protect your health.
Preeclampsia may cause changes in your blood vessels. These changes, in turn, can cause your capillaries to "leak" fluid into your tissues and result in swelling (known as edema). And when the tiny blood vessels in your kidneys leak, protein from your bloodstream spills into your urine. (It's normal to have a small amount of protein in your urine, but more than a little bit can signal a problem.)"
According to BabyCenter, "Preeclampsia causes the blood vessels to constrict, resulting in high blood pressure and a reduced blood flow that can affect organs in your body, such as your liver, kidneys, and brain.
When less blood flows to your uterus, it can mean problems for your baby, such as poor growth, too little amniotic fluid, and placental abruption (when the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery). In addition, your baby may suffer the effects of prematurity if you need to deliver early to protect your health.
Preeclampsia may cause changes in your blood vessels. These changes, in turn, can cause your capillaries to "leak" fluid into your tissues and result in swelling (known as edema). And when the tiny blood vessels in your kidneys leak, protein from your bloodstream spills into your urine. (It's normal to have a small amount of protein in your urine, but more than a little bit can signal a problem.)"
Symptoms
- Unusual swelling is the most common one. Call your doctor right away if you notice swelling in your face or puffiness around your eyes, more than slight swelling of your hands, or excessive or sudden swelling of your feet or ankles. This is caused by water retention that can also lead to rapid weight gain, so let your caregiver know if you gain more than 4 pounds in a week. (Note that not all women with preeclampsia have obvious swelling or dramatic weight gain, and not all women with swelling or rapid weight gain have preeclampsia.)
- Severe or persistent headache
- Vision changes, including double vision, blurriness, seeing spots or flashing lights, light sensitivity, or temporary loss of vision
- Intense pain or tenderness in your upper abdomen
- Nausea and vomiting
How can it be prevented?
It has been reported that there is positive association between good levels of folate during pregnancy and a reduced risk of pre-eclampsia.
Source:
Anmum Materna, Guide for Mom
"Preeclampsia | BabyCenter." BabyCenter.
"Preeclampsia | BabyCenter." BabyCenter.
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