{"id":927,"date":"2021-10-27T23:56:43","date_gmt":"2021-10-28T05:56:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/?p=927"},"modified":"2021-12-09T13:35:58","modified_gmt":"2021-12-09T19:35:58","slug":"preeclampsia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/healthy-pregnancy\/pregnancy-complications\/preeclampsia\/","title":{"rendered":"Preeclampsia"},"content":{"rendered":"
Preeclampsia<\/strong> is a condition that occurs only during pregnancy. Some symptoms may include high blood pressure<\/a> and protein in the urine, usually occurring after week 20 of pregnancy.<\/a> Preeclampsia is often precluded by gestational hypertension<\/a>. While high blood pressure during pregnancy does not necessarily indicate preeclampsia, it may be a sign of another problem. The condition affects at least 5-8% of pregnancies.<\/p>\n Preeclampsia sometimes develops without any symptoms. High blood pressure may develop slowly, or it may have a sudden onset. Monitoring your blood pressure is an important part of prenatal care because the first sign of preeclampsia is commonly a rise in blood pressure. Blood pressure that exceeds 140\/90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or greater \u2014 documented on two occasions, at least four hours apart \u2014 is abnormal.<\/p>\n Mild preeclampsia<\/strong>: high blood pressure, water retention, and protein in the urine.<\/p>\n Severe preeclampsia<\/strong>: headaches<\/a>, blurred vision, inability to tolerate bright light, fatigue<\/a>, nausea<\/a>\/vomiting<\/a>, urinating small amounts, pain in the upper right abdomen, shortness of breath, and tendency to bruise easily.<\/p>\n Other signs and symptoms of preeclampsia may include:<\/p>\n Contact your doctor immediately if you experience blurred vision, severe headaches, abdominal pain<\/a>, and\/or urinating very infrequently.<\/strong><\/p>\n At each prenatal checkup, it’s important that your healthcare provider checks your blood pressure because an early symptom of preeclampsia is a rise in blood pressure. Blood pressure that exceeds 140\/90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or greater, documented on two occasions, at least four hours apart is abnormal.<\/p>\n Your physician may also perform other tests that include: checking your urine levels, kidney and blood-clotting <\/a>functions; an ultrasound <\/a>scan to check your baby\u2019s growth; and Doppler scan to measure the efficiency of blood flow to the placenta.<\/p>\n Treatment depends on how close you are to your due date. If you are close to your due date, and the baby is developed enough, your health care provider will probably want to deliver your baby as soon as possible.<\/p>\n If you have a mild case and your baby has not reached full development, your doctor will probably recommend you do the following:<\/strong><\/p>\n If you have a severe case, your doctor may try to treat you with blood pressure medication<\/a> until you are far enough along to deliver safely, along with possibly bed rest, dietary changes, and supplements.<\/p>\n If preeclampsia is not treated quickly and properly, it can lead to serious complications for the mother such as liver or renal failure and future cardiovascular issues.<\/p>\n It may also lead to the following life-threatening conditions:<\/strong><\/p>\n Preeclampsia can prevent the placenta from getting enough blood. If the placenta doesn\u2019t get enough blood, your baby gets less oxygen and food. This can result in low birth weight. Most women still can deliver a healthy baby if preeclampsia is detected early and treated with regular prenatal care.<\/p>\n The exact cause of preeclampsia is not known. It’s thought to be improper functioning of the placenta including insufficient blood flow to the placenta. Other factors that may increase risk include: high fat and poor nutrition; immune function disorders; genetic issues or a family history.<\/p>\n Currently, there is no sure way to prevent preeclampsia. Some contributing factors to high blood pressure can be controlled and some can\u2019t. Follow your doctor\u2019s instruction about diet<\/a> and exercise<\/a>.<\/p>\n According to the Mayo Clinic, the exact cause of preeclampsia involves several factors. Experts believe it begins in the placenta \u2014 the organ that nourishes the fetus throughout pregnancy. Early in pregnancy, new blood vessels develop and evolve to efficiently send blood to the placenta.<\/p>\n In women with preeclampsia, these blood vessels don’t seem to develop or function properly. They’re narrower than normal blood vessels and react differently to hormonal signaling, which limits the amount of blood that can flow through them.<\/p>\n Causes of this abnormal development may include:<\/p>\nPreeclampsia Causes, Treatment and Prevention<\/h2>\n
Who is at risk for preeclampsia?<\/h3>\n
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What are the symptoms?<\/h3>\n
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How do I know if I have preeclampsia?<\/h3>\n
What is the treatment?<\/h3>\n
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How can preeclampsia affect the mother?<\/h3>\n
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How does preeclampsia affect my baby?<\/h3>\n
How can I prevent preeclampsia:<\/h3>\n
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What are the Causes of Preeclampsia?<\/h3>\n
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Want to Know More?<\/h4>\n