Pregnant women who experience high blood pressure, protein in their urine, and swelling in their hands, feet, and legs have a condition called preeclampsia, also known as toxemia.
Preeclampsia and Eclampsia, both are disorders related to causing high blood pressure in pregnancy. Preeclampsia is not life threatening whereas Eclampsia is a dangerous condition that can entail health hazards for mom and baby and, in rare instances, result in death. The condition typically occurs in the later stages of pregnancy i.e after 20 weeks of gestation.
Preeclampsia symptoms last for up to six weeks and in some cases even after birth. The condition can only be cured after a mother gives birth. Knowing the signs of preeclampsia and visiting the best gynecologist in lahore for regular prenatal care will help you protect yourself against the hazards of this condition. Early detection of preeclampsia may reduce both mom and baby’s risk of developing long-term issues.
Causes
Preeclampsia and eclampsia are thought to occur when a woman’s placenta does not function properly, although the specific causes are unknown. Some speculate that it might be caused by poor nutrition or high body fat. The uterus’s inability to receive blood flow could be a factor too. Genes also play a role and some autoimmune disorders could also be a reason behind causing it.
Symptoms
Typical symptoms of preeclampsia are:
- persistent headache
- upper abdominal pain
- unusual swelling on hands and face
- sudden weight gain
- nausea or vomiting
- shortness of breath
- changes in vision, such as blurry vision or seeing spots
Diagnosis
If your blood pressure is found to be 140/90 millimeters of mercury or higher during a physical examination by your doctor they will run certain blood and urine tests to make an apt diagnosis. Blood and urine tests help rule out atypical liver enzymes, low platelet counts, and protein in the urine.
To keep an eye on the fetus at this point, your doctor might do a nonstress test. A nonstress test is a quick examination that checks how the fetal heart rate alters when it moves. They might also perform an ultrasound to examine your baby’s health and your fluid levels.
Risk factors
Some risk factors can increase your chances of developing preeclampsia. These include:
- having a multiple pregnancy, like twins or triplets
- being over the age of 40
- being pregnant for the first time
- having preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy
- having a family history of preeclampsia
- having obesity
- having a history of health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, sickle cell disease, lupus or other autoimmune disorders
- becoming pregnant using in vitro fertilization
Complications
Preeclampsia is a very serious condition. It can be life threatening for both you and your baby if left untreated. Other complications that preeclampsia can cause are:
- bleeding due to low platelet levels
- placental abruption
- damage to the liver
- kidney failure
- pulmonary edema
- seizures
- Complications for the baby can also occur if they’re born premature
Treatment
Giving birth is the only way to treat preeclampsia and eclampsia. Depending on how far along your baby is, how healthy your baby is developing, and the severity of your preeclampsia, your gynecologist will discuss with you when to give birth.
- Your doctor might recommend inducing labor or performing a cesarean section if your baby has grown well, usually by 37 weeks or later.
- You and your doctor may be able to manage moderate preeclampsia if your baby is not yet near to term until the time comes for a safe delivery.
Preeclampsia with mild symptoms may be treated with the following:
- complete bed rest primarily on your left side, either at home or at a hospital
- thorough observation with a fetal heart rate monitor and regular ultrasounds
- blood pressure-lowering medications
- blood and urine tests
Bottomline
Maintaining the best health for both you and your unborn child is crucial during pregnancy. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, taking folic acid-fortified prenatal vitamins, and scheduling routine prenatal care check ups.
Preeclampsia, however, can occasionally develop during pregnancy or after delivery even with careful treatment. Preeclampsia poses a risk to both you and your unborn child. Consult your gynecologist in karachi regularly about preventative measures you can take and the symptoms and signs of preeclampsia.
