Preeclampsia is a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur during pregnancy. It is characterized by high blood pressure and excessive protein in the urine. Preeclampsia can lead to serious or even fatal complications for both mother and child. Treatment typically involves delivery of the baby.
Preeclampsia Diagnoses and Tests
Preeclampsia is a condition that is normally discovered during a routine urine and blood pressure checkup. If a woman is diagnosed with preeclampsia, a doctor may recommend additional tests.
The four most common types of prenatal testing are:
1) Prolonged urine collection tests
2) Blood tests
3) Biophysical test or the nonstress test
4) Fetal ultrasounds.
Prolonged urine collection tests measure the amount of sugar and protein in the pregnant woman’s urine. Blood tests measure the level of hemoglobin in the blood, as well as the levels of certain hormones and antibodies. The biophysical test or the nonstress test is a fetal assessment that uses an external fetal monitor to measure the fetal heart rate and contractions of the uterine muscles. Fetal ultrasounds are high-frequency sound waves that create an image of the developing baby.
Symptoms of Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a condition that is usually discovered after a woman is 20 weeks into her pregnancy. However, preeclampsia can develop gradually throughout the pregnancy period. The symptoms of preeclampsia may include, but are not limited to, the following:
1) Excessive protein present in the urine
2) Minimized urine output
3) High blood pressure
4) Blurred and oversensitivity to light vision
5) Unbearable headaches
6) Sudden weight gain
7) Vomiting and nausea
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to contact your doctor right away. Proteinuria can be a sign of a serious underlying condition and should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Causes of Preeclampsia
Although the exact cause of preeclampsia is unknown, there are several theories about what may contribute to the development of the condition. One theory suggests that a toxin in the mother’s blood may be to blame. Another theory suggests that preeclampsia is caused by a problem with the placenta. Researchers are still working to identify the causes of preeclampsia and to develop effective treatments. Some causes might be:
1) A poor pregnancy diet can lead to problems with the woman’s immune system, possible damage to the blood vessels, and insufficient blood supply in the uterus.
2) A woman’s immune system can be weakened by a poor pregnancy diet, which can lead to damage to the blood vessels and insufficient blood supply in the uterus.
3) A poor pregnancy diet can damage the blood vessels and cause insufficient blood supply in the uterus.
Treatment and Prevention of Preeclampsia
When delivery of the baby is still too early and obviously will pose more harm than good both to the mother and the unborn child, the only possible way to get rid of the condition is to have the baby delivered. However, the doctor may recommend other possible treatments. In this case, some medication may be advised for the mother to take and follow to help lower her blood pressure. The doctor will also most likely recommend a complete bed rest for the pregnant.
If the doctor recommends, and it is possible to deliver the baby, they will give the pregnant woman magnesium sulfate intravenously to help prevent seizures and increase blood flow during delivery. Within a few weeks after the delivery, the woman’s blood pressure should go back to normal and there should be no additional health concerns.
The precise cause of preeclampsia is still unknown, but there are some risk factors that have been identified. These include being a first-time mother, having a history of preeclampsia, being obese, and having a family history of the condition. While there is no sure way to prevent preeclampsia, doctors recommend that pregnant women take a daily vitamin D supplement to lower their risk.
