|
In this discussion
of preeclampsia you will learn about the effects of high blood
pressure during the late stages of pregnancy. You will also
learn about the symptoms and treatment of preeclampsia.
What
is preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia
is a condition of high blood pressure caused by pregnancy after
the 20th week of pregnancy. Your blood pressure goes up, you
retain water, and protein is found in your urine. Preeclampsia
is also called toxemia or pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Preeclampsia
may be mild or severe. Severe preeclampsia affects the mother's
blood system, kidneys, brain, and other organs. Sometimes,
but very rarely, it can cause death. If convulsions occur,
the disease is called eclampsia.
back
to top
How
does it occur?
The cause
of preeclampsia is not known. About 8 percent of pregnant
women have preeclampsia. It is more likely to occur during
first pregnancies than later pregnancies and in women less than
25 years old or over 35 years old. Women who have chronic
hypertension, kidney disease or diabetes, or who are pregnant
with more than one baby, also have a greater risk of preeclampsia.
back
to top
What
are the symptoms?
If you have
mild preeclampsia, you may not have any symptoms and may feel perfectly
well. You should go to all prenatal checkups so your health
care provider can spot the condition quickly if you have it.
Signs and
symptoms of mild preeclampsia include:
. high blood
pressure
. water retention, leading to puffiness of the feet, ankles, hands,
and face (also called edema)
. protein in your urine.
Additional signs
and symptoms of severe preeclampsia include:
. headaches
. blurred vision
. inability to tolerate bright light
. lethargy
. nausea and vomiting
. water retention
. pain in the right upper abdomen
. shortness of breath
How
is it diagnosed?
Your health
care provider will measure your blood pressure and test your urine
at each prenatal checkup. Certain blood tests are required
to confirm that you have the condition. In cases where these
initial tests indicate the possibility of preeclampsia, more blood
tests may be needed.
back
to top
What
is the treatment?
Your health
care provider may want you to rest in bed, lying on your left side
as much as possible to take the weight of the baby off your major
blood vessels. Your health care provider may want you to have
more frequent checkups. Sometimes this is all that is needed.
If your symptoms
become more severe, you may have to be admitted to the hospital.
You may be given medication to lower your blood pressure.
You will probably have various tests to check your condition and
the health of the baby. In some cases, your health care
provider may decide to start your labor and deliver the baby early.
back
to top
How
long will the effects of preeclampsia last?
The symptoms
of preeclampsia last until shortly after the baby is born.
back
to top
When
should I call my health care provider?
You should call
your health care provider immediately if you have:
. blurred
vision
. severe headaches
. abdominal pain
. sudden and excessive weight gain.
What
can be done to help prevent hypertension in pregnancy?
Currently, there
is no sure way to prevent preeclampsia. Many factors may contribute
to the development of high blood pressure during pregnancy.
Some can be controlled and some cannot. Follow your health
care provider's instructions for diet and exercise and practice
the following good health habits to reduce the risk of hypertension:
. Use little
or no added salt in your meals.
. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day.
. Get enough rest.
. Exercise regularly.
. Rest on your side several times during the day.
. Avoid drinking alcohol and beverages containing caffeine.
|
|
|
