Preeclampsia...Know More about it ..!
Written by Jairam Masetti   
Thursday, 22 December 2011 15:41
Preeclampsia, a leading cause of maternal mortality globally, Affecting at least 5-8% of all pregnancies, A recent data collected by the Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India (FOGSI) shows that pregnancy-induced high blood pressure (pre-eclampsia and eclampsia), which is responsible for 12% of maternal deaths in India.

Preeclampsia is a disorder that results in increased blood pressure and appearance of protein in the urine during pregnancy. if it is not treated, the condition can lead to seizures/eclampsia, liver, kidney failures and finally results in to death for both the mother and fetus.

There are 4 major types of high blood pressure that may occur during pregnancy. Globally, preeclampsia and other types of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a leading cause of maternal and infant illness and death.
  • Preeclampsia
  • Chronic hypertension
  • Preeclampsia superimposed upon chronic hypertension
  • Gestational hypertension (also called transient hypertension)

Generally, preeclampsia takes place after 20 weeks gestation (in the late 2nd or 3rd trimesters or middle to late pregnancy), although it can occur more former. Proper antepartum care is required to diagnose and manage cases with preeclampsia. Pregnancy Induced Hypertension and toxemia are outdated terms for preeclampsia. HELLP syndrome and eclampsia are other forms of preeclampsia.

Chronic Hypertension
It is defined as a blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg diagnosed before pregnancy, before the 20th week of pregnancy, or that persists more than 12 weeks after delivery.

Chronic Hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia

This refers to a woman with chronic hypertension who develops signs of preeclampsia after the 20th week of pregnancy.

Gestational Hypertension

Women with gestational hypertension have all of the following:

  • Blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg
  • No protein in the urine (proteinuria)
  • Are ≥20 weeks pregnant
  • No previous history of high blood pressure.

Who is at Risk?
Any pregnant woman can arise pre-eclampsia. The relative incidence is in about 1 in 14 pregnancies. However, the risk factors include

  • Pregnancy for the first time, approx 3% of women can develop pre-eclampsia.
  • History of pre-eclampsia in previous pregnancy.
  • Family history of pre-eclampsia.
  • High blood pressure before the pregnancy .
  • History of diabetes, kidney disease and etc.
  • Are conceiving too early or too late in age
  • Pregnancy with twins, or more.
  • Obese.

Symptoms
Oftentimes, women who have preeclampsia do not feel sick. The severity of pre-eclampsia is commonly associated to the blood pressure level. When pre-eclampsia gets worse, any of the following symptoms may persists.

  • Headache
  • Blurry vision, or other visual problems
  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea and Vomiting
  • Irritability
  • Decreased urine output, not urinating very often
  • Swelling of feet, face, or hands (edema) is also a symptom of pre-eclampsia. However, this is common in normal pregnancy. Most women with this symptom may not possess to pre-eclampsia, How ever, it can become worse in pre-eclampsia. Hence, it is to advised consult physicians if any sudden worsening of swelling of hands, face or feet will takes place.

Causes
The exact causes of preeclampsia remains unknown and therefore, there is no sure way to prevent it. However, in general agreement, it is likely to be caused by a problem with the placenta. Probably blood vessels in the placenta do not generate properly, that may affect the oxygen supply and nutrients to the baby.

  • Pre-eclampsia can also affect various other parts of the mothers body such as damage to the blood vessels, making them become leaky.
  • Genetic factors
  • Diet
Conclusion:

Preeclampsia is a syndrome of unknown etiology with multiorgan involvement. The only known treatments for eclampsia or advancing pre-eclampsia are abortion or delivery, either by labor induction or Caesarean section. There are several issues regarding diagnostic techniques and treatment options that need further evaluation. If pre-eclampsia is not very serious, then a woman can continue with her pregnancy, deliver her baby normally. In case the problem is very serious, premature delivery of the baby takes place. Hypertension and blood pressure problems can be sometimes controlled by proper medication. Certain exercises, also meditation and yoga are prove to be useful in controlling hypertension. Yoga can also help in proper supply of blood and other nutrients by the blood vessels. Sometimes, if the problem of pre-eclampsia becomes worsen, then the woman can be stabilized with the help of magnesium sulphate injections to avoid eclampsia-related seizures. Increasing healthy fluid uptake, vitamin D, calcium, magnesium and other important nutrient diet uptake, also regular mild exercise as well as yoga can prove to be extremely helpful in preventing preeclampsia. Consult your Doctor what he or she recommends. Don't take anything during pregnancy without any Physician's consultation.

 

Source: Ref1; Ref 2

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