Preeclampsia & Eclampsia: Risk Factors, Signs, Symptoms and Treatment

Preeclampsia is a condition that develops in pregnant women. This condition is marked by increased blood pressure in women who have not previously had high blood pressure.
What is preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a condition that develops in pregnant women. This condition is marked by increased blood pressure in women who have not previously had high blood pressure. Women with pre-eclampsia will have high levels of protein in their urine, and often swelling on their legs, legs and arms. This condition usually occurs in late gestation, although it may occur earlier and may develop immediately after childbirth.

If not diagnosed, pre-eclampsia can lead to eclampsia, a serious illness that can put you and your child at risk and, in rare cases, lead to death. Women with pre-eclampsia who have developed seizures are considered to have eclampsia.

There is no way to cure pre-eclampsia other than childbirth, and this can be a terrible prospect for expectant mothers. Even after delivery, signs and symptoms of pre-eclampsia can last from 1 to 6 weeks. Sometimes even longer.

But you can help protect yourself by studying the symptoms of preeclampsia and consulting your doctor for regular antenatal care. Preeclampsia at an early stage can reduce the likelihood of long-term effects on both mother and child,


What causes preeclampsia?

The exact causes of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia are not known, although some researchers suspect that poor nutrition or high body fat may be potential causes. Insufficient blood flow to the uterus may be the cause. Genetic predilution plays its part.


Who is at greatest risk of pre-eclampsia?

Preeclampsia is most commonly observed in the first pregnancy, in pregnant adolescents and in women over 40 years of age. Risk factors include:

- High blood pressure before pregnancy
- Preeclampsia cases before this pregnancy.
- Have a mother or sister with pre-eclampsia.
- Obesity in a history.
- Carrying more than one child.
- Diabetes, kidney failure, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis in history.


What are the most obvious symptoms and signs of pre-eclampsia?

In addition to swelling, urinary protein and high blood pressure, symptoms of pre-eclampsia may include:

- Rapid weight gain caused by a significant increase in body fluid.
- Abdominal pain.
- Severe headaches.
- Change of reflexes.
- Decrease or absence of urine.
- Dizziness.
- Excessive vomiting and nausea.
- Changes in vision.

You should seek help immediately if you have one:
- Sudden and new swelling on the face, hands and eyes (some swelling of the foot and ankle are normal during pregnancy).
- Blood pressure 140/90 mm Hg or higher.
- Sudden weight gain within 1 or 2 days
- Abdominal pain
- Strong and constant headaches..
- Urine reduction
- Blurred vision, flashing lights

You may also have pre-eclampsia and no symptoms. This is why it is so important to see your doctor regularly to check your blood pressure. You also need to take a urine test. You can use AssayMe to control your urine protein levels.


When (at what time) do the symptoms of preeclampsia occur?

Preeclampsia can happen as early as the 20th week of pregnancy, but it is rare. Signs and symptoms usually appear after 34 weeks. In a small number of cases, signs and symptoms can develop after birth, probably within 48 hours of delivery. It usually goes away on its own, but can last up to 12 weeks after delivery.


What are the consequences of preeclampsia on a child?

Preeclampsia can significantly reduce the blood supply to the placenta and cause premature births. IPreeclampsia is one of the main causes of premature birth and possible complications, including learning disabilities, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, hearing and vision disorders.

In expectant mothers, pre-eclampsia can cause rare but serious complications that include:
- Stroke
-.Heart failure
- Bleeding after delivery
- Seizure
- Reverse blindness
- Bleeding from the liver
- Water in the lungs.

- Preeclampsia can also cause a sudden separation of the placenta from the uterus, called placental detachment.


What is the treatment for pre-eclampsia and eclampsia?

Childbirth is the only cure for pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. Your doctor will determine when you need to give birth based on how long your baby is in the womb, how well he or she feels in the womb, and how serious your pre-eclampsia is.

If your child is well developed, usually by 37 weeks or later, your doctor may want to give birth or have a C-section. This will help prevent preeclampsia from developing.

If your child is not on time, you and your doctor will be able to treat preeclampsia until the child has developed enough to give birth safely. The closer you get to your baby's birth date, the better for your baby.

If you have mild pre-eclampsia - also known as preeclampsia without severe symptoms - your doctor may prescribe it:
- Bed rest at home or in hospital; you will be asked to rest mostly on the left side.
- Careful observation with a fetal heart rate monitor and frequent ultrasounds.
- Drugs for lowering blood pressure.
- Blood and urine tests.