Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition that can lead
to serious complications for both the
mother and the baby.
It typically occurs
after the 20th week of pregnancy and is characterized by high blood pressure
(hypertension) and signs of damage to organs, most commonly
the kidneys, which can be detected
through the presence of protein in the urine (proteinuria).
Symptoms of preeclampsia may include:
- High
blood pressure
- Protein
in urine
- Swelling,
especially in the hands and face
- Sudden
weight gain (more than 2-3 pounds per week)
- Severe
headaches
- Vision
changes (blurred vision or seeing spots)
- Pain
in the upper abdomen, usually under the ribs, or in the right shoulder
- Nausea
or vomiting (especially after 20 weeks)
Causes and risk factors: While the exact cause of
preeclampsia is not fully understood, it is thought to
be related to problems with the placenta's blood vessels.
Risk factors for developing preeclampsia
include:
- First-time
pregnancy
- Age
(younger than 20 or older than 35)
- Obesity
- Family
history of preeclampsia
- Having
certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure, kidney disease, or
diabetes
- Multiple
pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.)
Treatment and management: There is no cure for
preeclampsia except delivery of the baby.
The management depends on the severity of the condition and
how far along the pregnancy is:
- If
preeclampsia is mild, the healthcare provider may monitor the condition
closely and
recommend bed rest, frequent
checkups, or medications to lower blood pressure.
- If it
is more severe, the baby may need to be delivered early to prevent
complications.
In some cases, medications (like magnesium
sulfate) are given to prevent seizures and
control blood pressure.
Untreated, preeclampsia can lead to serious complications
like eclampsia (seizures), organ failure,
stroke, or preterm birth.
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