Preeclampsia: Symptoms, Risk factors and dangers

Preeclampsia pregnancy is a complication of pregnancy where the pregnant women might have high blood pressure level and presence of high levels of protein known as proteinuria. Preeclampsia can further lead to a condition called eclampsia, causing seizures which can cause risk for both mother and baby. 

If preeclampsia is not treated, it can prove to be fatal. It’s very hard to notice these signs on your own, that is why you should visit your doctor regularly, so that if there’s any complication they can be found out during your routine appointments.

The earlier the preeclampsia is diagnosed the better will be the management of complications for mother and baby. Certain signs of Preeclampsia include:

• Proteinuria or presence of protein in urine
• Decreased in platelets level
• Increase in liver enzymes 
• Severe headaches
• Vision problems like blurred vision, temporary loss of vision or light sensitivity
• Pain in belly, generally occurring under the ribs 
• Nausea or vomiting

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Risk factors for preeclampsia 

Certain factors that can be linked to causing increased risk of preeclampsia:

• Having preeclampsia in previous pregnancy
• Chronic high blood pressure (hypertension)
• Having kidney disease
• Certain autoimmune disorders
• Twins or multiple pregnancy
• Use of IV fertilisation for getting pregnant 
• History of Type 1 or type 2 diabetes 

Certain moderate risk factors are:

• Getting pregnant at the age of 35 or older
• Having complications in the previous pregnancies 
• Being obese 
• Being pregnant after a long time since previous pregnancy usually more than 10 years 
• Someone in the family had preeclampsia 

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Treatment:

Talking about the treatment of Preeclampsia, it can only be cured by delivering the baby. Your doctor will closely monitor you until the baby’s delivery through regular follow ups. In case of serious problems you may be admitted to the hospital. 

How to manage the condition:

As headaches, body aches and nausea are common symptoms of pregnancy it can be hard to assume this serious condition by just looking at your symptoms. That is why it is important to attend your prenatal appointments so that your doctor can check your blood pressure and diagnose any abnormalities. Keep an eye on your symptoms, don’t ignore severe headaches, visual problems, difficulty in breathing or even slight pain in the abdomen. Never miss your visits to the doctor and talk about any symptoms you are having for the early diagnosis and management