Understanding and Managing Preeclampsia: Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Treatment

2023-11-07 21:00:00

Enas Al-Banna wrote Tuesday, November 7, 2023 11:00 PM

Preeclampsia is a rare but serious condition that occurs during pregnancy or shortly following birth Hypertension It leads to high levels of protein in the urine, and affects many organs of the body, which may affect the health of the pregnant mother and the child.

Approximately 85% of all cases of preeclampsia occur between weeks 34 to 37 of pregnancy. However, it can occur any time following 20 weeks of pregnancy. Most people learn regarding their diagnosis during a routine checkup with their health care provider. It is important to know People who receive an early diagnosis are able to start treatment sooner and have a successful, healthy pregnancy.

According to the “Health” website, preeclampsia is the cause of 2% to 8% of all pregnancy-related complications. Without treatment, the condition can cause severe preeclampsia or symptoms of preeclampsia that can lead to poor health outcomes such as premature birth or fetal loss. For this reason, knowing the symptoms of the condition and knowing when to seek care from a healthcare provider is essential.

Symptoms of preeclampsia

Preeclampsia occurs when you have high blood pressure (high blood pressure) following 20 weeks of pregnancy. Generally, symptoms appear between weeks 34 and 37, but they can also start shortly following giving birth during the postpartum period.

While a normal blood pressure level is less than 120/80 mmHg (mmHg), health care providers define high blood pressure as:

Systolic blood pressure (top number) is 140 mmHg or more

Diastolic blood pressure (low number) of 90 mm Hg or more

Aside from high blood pressure, other common symptoms of preeclampsia include:

High levels of protein in urine (pee)

Water retention

Swelling in your limbs

Severe symptoms of preeclampsia

About 25% of preeclampsia cases can develop into severe preeclampsia. 2 In general, severe preeclampsia can develop rapidly within several days.

If your condition worsens, you may experience the following symptoms:

Severe hypertension: Blood pressure higher than 160/110 mm Hg

Swelling: Sudden, severe swelling of the face, legs, ankles, or hands

Weight gain: Rapid weight gain (more than 5 pounds or 2.3 kilograms in one week)

Persistent headache: a severe headache that does not go away

Abdominal pain: Stomach pain on the right side, just below the ribs

Vision changes: seeing bright lights, blurry vision, or sensitivity to light

Breathing problems: shortness of breath

Chest pain: Tightness or fullness in the chest, which often requires immediate medical attention

Mental changes: irritability, anger, or confusion

Symptoms of preeclampsia

If preeclampsia is left untreated, your condition may develop into preeclampsia and increase your risk of developing the following complications:

Seizures, which can lead to coma

Organ damage or heart, kidney, liver, or brain failure

Hemorrhage (severe bleeding)

Stroke (interruption of blood flow to the brain due to blockage or bleeding)

Unconsciousness

How symptoms of preeclampsia can affect the baby

While preeclampsia can put the baby at risk, most pregnant women give birth to healthy babies, largely due to receiving early diagnosis and starting treatment sooner. However, not getting health care during pregnancy or receiving a late diagnosis It can lead to complications for the child.

Babies born to pregnant parents with severe or untreated preeclampsia can develop respiratory (breathing or lung) problems shortly following birth. If this happens, a health care provider may monitor your baby until he or she is stable enough to go home.

Risk factors for preeclampsia include:

Obesity

Gestational diabetes, type 1 or type 2

Having a history of preeclampsia, miscarriage, or stillbirth

Chronic high blood pressure

Anemia

Being in your first pregnancy

Multiple pregnancy (or having twins or triplets)

Use of fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or assisted reproductive technology

Cigarette smoking

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