What are the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia. How can low-dose aspirin help reduce the risk of preeclampsia. Who is at high risk for developing preeclampsia during pregnancy. What are the potential complications of untreated preeclampsia.

Understanding Preeclampsia: A Serious Pregnancy Complication

Preeclampsia is a serious condition that can affect pregnant women after the 20th week of gestation or in the postpartum period. It is characterized by high blood pressure and can impair the function of vital organs such as the kidneys and liver. This complication occurs in approximately 5-8% of pregnancies in the United States and is a leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide.

The exact cause of preeclampsia remains unknown, but its impact on maternal and fetal health is significant. If left untreated, preeclampsia can lead to severe complications, including preterm birth and, in rare cases, maternal or fetal death.

The Global Impact of Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is not just a concern in the United States; it affects pregnant women globally. Between 10-15% of maternal deaths worldwide are attributed to preeclampsia and its associated complications, such as eclampsia. This statistic underscores the importance of early detection, proper management, and ongoing research into this condition.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Preeclampsia

Early detection of preeclampsia is crucial for proper management and prevention of complications. While some symptoms may overlap with common pregnancy discomforts, it’s essential to be vigilant and report any concerns to a healthcare provider.

• High blood pressure (with or without protein in the urine)
• Changes in vision (blurriness, flashing lights, spots, light sensitivity)
• Persistent headache
• Nausea, vomiting, or dizziness
• Upper right abdominal pain or shoulder pain
• Sudden weight gain (2-5 pounds in a week)
• Swelling in the legs, hands, or face
• Difficulty breathing

Is it possible to have preeclampsia without realizing it? Yes, some women may not experience noticeable symptoms. This is why attending all prenatal check-ups is crucial, even if you feel fine. Regular monitoring of blood pressure and urine protein levels during these visits can help detect preeclampsia early.

Risk Factors for Developing Preeclampsia

While the exact cause of preeclampsia remains elusive, certain risk factors have been identified. Understanding these risk factors can help healthcare providers offer appropriate preventive measures and monitoring.

High-Risk Factors for Preeclampsia

• Previous history of preeclampsia
• Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.)
• Chronic hypertension
• Diabetes (Type 1, Type 2, or gestational)
• Kidney disease
• Autoimmune disorders (e.g., lupus, antiphospholipid syndrome)

Are there other factors that can increase the risk of preeclampsia? Yes, additional risk factors include:

• First-time pregnancy
• Obesity
• Age (younger than 20 or older than 35)
• Family history of preeclampsia
• Conception through in vitro fertilization

It’s important to discuss your individual risk factors with your healthcare provider to develop an appropriate monitoring and prevention plan.

The Role of Low-Dose Aspirin in Preeclampsia Prevention

Recent research has shown that low-dose aspirin can play a significant role in reducing the risk of preeclampsia in high-risk women. This preventive measure is recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) for certain pregnant women.

When and How to Use Low-Dose Aspirin

For women at high risk of preeclampsia, healthcare providers may recommend starting low-dose aspirin after 12 weeks of pregnancy. This typically involves taking 81 mg of aspirin daily, also known as “baby aspirin.”

Is low-dose aspirin safe during pregnancy? According to ACOG, daily low-dose aspirin use in pregnancy carries a low risk of serious complications and is generally considered safe. However, it’s crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations precisely and not to start any medication regimen without professional guidance.

Complications of Untreated Preeclampsia

If left untreated, preeclampsia can lead to serious complications for both the mother and the baby. Understanding these potential risks underscores the importance of early detection and proper management.

Maternal Complications

• Eclampsia (seizures)
• HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count)
• Placental abruption
• Stroke
• Organ damage (liver, kidneys)

Fetal Complications

• Intrauterine growth restriction
• Preterm birth
• Low birth weight
• Stillbirth

Can preeclampsia cause long-term health effects? While most women recover fully after delivery, some studies suggest that women who have had preeclampsia may be at increased risk for cardiovascular disease later in life. This emphasizes the importance of ongoing health monitoring and lifestyle modifications post-pregnancy.

Management and Treatment of Preeclampsia

The management of preeclampsia depends on the severity of the condition and the gestational age of the fetus. The primary goal is to prevent complications while allowing the fetus to develop as much as possible before delivery.

Mild Preeclampsia Management

• Close monitoring of blood pressure
• Frequent prenatal check-ups
• Bed rest or reduced activity
• Increased fluid intake
• Medication to control blood pressure (if necessary)

Severe Preeclampsia Management

• Hospitalization for continuous monitoring
• Antihypertensive medications
• Magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures
• Corticosteroids to promote fetal lung maturity if preterm delivery is necessary
• Early delivery if the condition worsens or reaches term

What is the definitive treatment for preeclampsia? The only cure for preeclampsia is delivery of the baby and placenta. However, the timing of delivery depends on various factors, including the severity of the condition and the gestational age of the fetus.

Postpartum Preeclampsia: A Lesser-Known Risk

While preeclampsia typically develops during pregnancy, it can also occur after childbirth, a condition known as postpartum preeclampsia. This form of preeclampsia can develop within 48 hours of delivery or up to 6 weeks postpartum.

Signs and Symptoms of Postpartum Preeclampsia

• High blood pressure
• Severe headaches
• Changes in vision
• Upper abdominal pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Swelling in the hands or face

Why is postpartum preeclampsia dangerous? Postpartum preeclampsia can be particularly risky because many women may not be as closely monitored after giving birth. Additionally, the symptoms can be mistaken for normal postpartum discomforts. Prompt medical attention is crucial if any of these symptoms occur in the weeks following childbirth.

Lifestyle Modifications and Self-Care for High-Risk Women

While not all cases of preeclampsia can be prevented, certain lifestyle modifications may help reduce the risk or manage the condition in high-risk women.

Preventive Measures and Self-Care Strategies

• Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Engage in regular, moderate exercise as approved by your healthcare provider
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques or prenatal yoga
• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption
• Attend all scheduled prenatal appointments
• Monitor fetal movement and report any changes to your healthcare provider

Can dietary changes help prevent preeclampsia? While no specific diet has been proven to prevent preeclampsia, a balanced, nutritious diet can support overall maternal health. Some studies suggest that diets rich in antioxidants, such as those found in fruits and vegetables, may have a protective effect, but more research is needed to confirm these findings.

The Importance of Prenatal Care

Regular prenatal care is crucial for all pregnant women, but it’s particularly important for those at high risk for preeclampsia. These check-ups allow healthcare providers to monitor blood pressure, check urine for protein, and assess overall maternal and fetal health.

How often should high-risk women have prenatal check-ups? The frequency of prenatal visits may increase for high-risk women, especially in the third trimester. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate schedule based on your individual risk factors and health status.

Research and Future Directions in Preeclampsia Management

As preeclampsia continues to be a significant health concern worldwide, ongoing research is crucial to improve our understanding, prevention, and treatment of this condition.

Current Areas of Research

• Biomarkers for early detection of preeclampsia
• Genetic factors contributing to preeclampsia risk
• Novel therapeutic approaches to manage preeclampsia
• Long-term health effects of preeclampsia on mothers and children
• Placental factors involved in the development of preeclampsia

What advancements can we expect in preeclampsia management? Researchers are working on developing more accurate predictive tests, exploring new preventive strategies, and investigating potential treatments that could prolong pregnancy in women with preeclampsia. These efforts aim to improve outcomes for both mothers and babies affected by this condition.

The Role of Patient Participation in Research

Pregnant women and those who have experienced preeclampsia can play a vital role in advancing our understanding of this condition. Participation in clinical trials and research studies can contribute to the development of new prevention strategies, diagnostic tools, and treatments.

How can women get involved in preeclampsia research? If you’re interested in contributing to preeclampsia research, discuss this with your healthcare provider. They can provide information about ongoing studies and help determine if you’re eligible to participate.

In conclusion, preeclampsia remains a significant challenge in maternal-fetal medicine. However, with increased awareness, early detection, and proper management, many women with preeclampsia can have healthy pregnancies and deliveries. Ongoing research and advancements in medical care continue to improve our ability to prevent, detect, and treat this condition, offering hope for better outcomes in the future.

Preeclampsia | March of Dimes

Preeclampsia is a kind of high blood pressure some women get after the 20th week of pregnancy or after giving birth.

Most pregnant women with preeclampsia have healthy babies. But if not treated, it can cause serious problems, like preterm birth and even death.

If you’re at risk for preeclampsia, your provider may want you take low-dose aspirin to help prevent it.

If you have blurred vision, swelling in your hands and face or severe headaches or belly pain, call your provider right away.

You can have preeclampsia and not know it, so go to all of your prenatal care visits, even if you’re feeling fine.

Download our English and Spanish health action sheets on low-dose aspirin.

What is preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a serious condition that can happen after the 20th week of pregnancy or after giving birth (called postpartum preeclampsia). In addition to causing high blood pressure, it can cause organs, like the kidneys and liver, to not work normally. Blood pressure is the force of blood that pushes against the walls of your arteries. High blood pressure (also called hypertension) is when the force of blood against the walls of the blood vessels is too high. Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood away from your heart to other parts of the body. Having high blood pressure can stress your heart and cause problems during pregnancy.

Preeclampsia is a serious health problem for women around the world. Between 10 to 15 percent of maternal deaths worldwide are caused by preeclampsia and associated complications, such as eclampsia. In the United States, it affects between 5 to 8 percent of pregnancies, and in most cases leads to preterm birth. Preterm birth is birth that happens too early, before 37 weeks of pregnancy.

Most women with preeclampsia have healthy babies. But if not treated, it can cause severe health problems for you and your baby.

What are the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia?

Signs of a condition are things someone else can see or know about you, like you have a rash or you’re coughing. Symptoms are things you feel yourself that others can’t see, like having a sore throat or feeling dizzy.

Signs and symptoms of preeclampsia include:

• High blood pressure with or without protein in the urine. Your provider will check these during your prenatal visit.
• Changes in vision, like blurriness, flashing lights, seeing spots or being sensitive to light
• Headache that doesn’t go away
• Nausea (feeling sick to your stomach), vomiting or dizziness
• Pain in the upper right belly area or in the shoulder
• Sudden weight gain (2 to 5 pounds in a week)
• Swelling in the legs, hands or face
• Trouble breathing

Many of these signs and symptoms are common discomforts of pregnancy. If you have even one sign or symptom, call your provider right away. Sometimes you don’t realize you have preeclampsia. Go to all your prenatal visits, even if you feel fine. That’s the best way to detect preeclampsia.

Can taking low-dose aspirin help reduce your risk for preeclampsia and preterm birth?

For some women, yes. If your provider thinks you’re at risk for preeclampsia, low-dose aspirin may be recommended to help prevent it. Low-dose aspirin also is called baby aspirin or 81 mg (milligrams) aspirin. Talk to your provider to see if treatment with low-dose aspirin is right for you.

You can buy low-dose aspirin over-the-counter, or your provider can give you a prescription for it. If your provider wants you to take low-dose aspirin to help prevent preeclampsia, take it exactly as it’s recommended. Don’t take more or take it more often than your provider says.

If you’re at high risk for preeclampsia, your provider may want you to start taking low-dose aspirin after 12 weeks of pregnancy. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, your provider may ask you to take low-dose aspirin. 

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (also called ACOG), daily low-dose aspirin use in pregnancy has a low risk of serious complications and its use is considered safe.

Are you at risk for preeclampsia?

We don’t know for sure what causes preeclampsia, but there are some things that may make you more likely than other women to have it. These are called risk factors. If you have even one risk factor for preeclampsia, tell your provider. 

You’re at high risk for preeclampsia If:

• You’ve had preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy. The earlier in pregnancy you had preeclampsia, the higher your risk is to have it again. You’re also at higher risk if you had preeclampsia along with other pregnancy complications.
• You’re pregnant with multiples (twins, triplets or more).
• You have high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease or an autoimmune disease like lupus or antiphospholipid syndrome. Diabetes is when your body has too much sugar in the blood. This can damage organs, like blood vessels, nerves, eyes and kidneys. An autoimmune disease is a health condition that happens when antibodies (cells in the body that fight off infections) attack healthy tissue by mistake.

Other risk factors for preeclampsia:

• You’ve never had a baby before, or it’s been more than 10 years since you had a baby.
• You’re a person who has obesity. Obese means being very overweight with a body mass index (also called BMI) of 30 or higher. To find out your BMI, go to www.cdc.gov/bmi.
• You have a family history of preeclampsia. This means that other people in your family, like your sister or mother, have had it.
• You had complications in a previous pregnancy, like having a baby with low birthweight. Low birthweight is when your baby is born weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces.
• You had fertility treatment called in vitro fertilization (also called IVF) to help you get pregnant. 
• You’re older than 35.

Some groups, such as African-American women and those who are affected by lower income, are also at higher risk of complications like preeclampsia. Historically, in the United States, these groups have had a harder time getting good quality health care and access to treatments that prevent illness. This has led to serious health disparities and unequal health outcomes. Talk to your provider about your risk factors and about what you can do to stay healthy and reduce your chances of having a preterm birth. If your provider thinks you’re at risk of having preeclampsia, ask if treatment with low-dose aspirin is right for you.

How can preeclampsia affect you and your baby?

Without treatment, preeclampsia can cause serious health problems for you and your baby, even death. You may have preeclampsia and not know it, so be sure to go to all your prenatal care checkups, even if you’re feeling fine. If you have any sign or symptom of preeclampsia, tell your provider.

Health problems for women who have preeclampsia include:

• Kidney, liver and brain damage
• Problems with how your blood clots. A blood clot is a mass or clump of blood that forms when blood changes from a liquid to a solid. Your body normally makes blood clots to stop bleeding after a scrape or cut. Problems with blood clots can cause serious bleeding problems.
• Eclampsia. This is a rare and life-threatening condition. It’s when a pregnant woman has seizures or a coma after preeclampsia. A coma is when you’re unconscious for a long period of time and can’t respond to voices, sounds or activity.
• Stroke. This is when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or reduced. Stroke can happen when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel that brings blood to the brain, or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts open.

Pregnancy complications from preeclampsia include:

• Preterm birth. Even with treatment, you may need to give birth early to help prevent serious health problems for you and your baby.
• Placental abruption. This is when the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus (womb) before birth. It can separate partially or completely. If you have placental abruption, your baby may not get enough oxygen and nutrients. Vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom of placental abruption after 20 weeks of pregnancy. If you have vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, tell your health care provider right away.
• Intrauterine growth restriction (also called IUGR). This is when a baby has poor growth in the womb. It can happen when mom has high blood pressure that narrows the blood vessels in the uterus and placenta. The placenta grows in the uterus and supplies your baby with food and oxygen through the umbilical cord. If your baby doesn’t get enough oxygen and nutrients in the womb, he may have IUGR.
• Low birthweight

Having preeclampsia increases your risk for postpartum hemorrhage (also called PPH). PPH is heavy bleeding after giving birth. It’s a rare condition, but if not treated, it can lead to shock and death. Shock is when your body’s organs don’t get enough blood flow.  

Having preeclampsia increases your risk for heart disease, diabetes and kidney disease later in life.

How is preeclampsia diagnosed?

To diagnose preeclampsia, your provider measures your blood pressure and tests your urine for protein at every prenatal visit. Additional lab work evaluating your blood count, clotting factors, liver and kidney function are also assessed.

Your provider may check your baby’s health with:

• Ultrasound. This is a prenatal test that uses sound waves and a computer screen to make a picture of your baby in the womb. Ultrasound checks that your baby is growing at a normal rate. It also lets your provider look at the placenta and the amount of fluid around your baby to make sure your pregnancy is healthy.
• Nonstress test. This test checks your baby’s heart rate.
• Biophysical profile. This test combines the nonstress test with an ultrasound.
• Doppler analysis. This is a sonographic test to evaluate the blood flow through the baby’s umbilical cord — it can provide information as to how blood flow — which carries oxygen – is getting to your baby

Treatment depends on how severe your preeclampsia is and how far along you are in your pregnancy. Even if you have mild preeclampsia, you need treatment to make sure it doesn’t get worse.

How is mild preeclampsia treated?

Most women with mild preeclampsia are delivered by 37 weeks of pregnancy . If you have mild preeclampsia before 37 weeks:

• Your provider checks your blood pressure and urine regularly. It’s possible that you may need to stay in the hospital to be monitored closely. If you’re not in the hospital, your provider may want you to have checkups once or twice a week. You may also need to take your blood pressure at home.
• Your provider may ask you to do kick counts to track how often your baby moves. There are two ways to do kick counts: Every day, time how long it takes for your baby to move ten times. If it takes longer than 2 hours, tell your provider. Or three times a week, track the number of times your baby moves in 1 hour. If the number changes, tell your provider.
• If you’re at least 37 weeks pregnant and your condition is stable, your provider may recommend that you have your baby early. This may be safer for you and your baby than staying pregnant. Your provider may give you medicine or break your water (amniotic sac) to make labor start. This is called inducing labor.

How is severe preeclampsia treated?

If you have severe preeclampsia, you most likely stay in the hospital so your provider can closely monitor you and your baby. Your provider may treat you with medicines called antenatal corticosteroids (also called ACS). These medicines help speed up your baby’s lung development. You also may get medicine to control your blood pressure and medicine to prevent seizures (called magnesium sulfate).

If your condition gets worse, it may be safer for you and your baby to give birth early. Most babies of moms with severe preeclampsia before 34 weeks of pregnancy do better in the hospital than by staying in the womb. If you’re at least 34 weeks pregnant, your provider may recommend that you have your baby as soon as your condition is stable. Your provider may induce your labor, or you may have a c-section. If you’re not yet 34 weeks pregnant but you and your baby are stable, you may be able to wait to have your baby.

If you have severe preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome, you almost always need to give birth early. HELLP syndrome is a rare but life-threatening liver disorder. About 2 in 10 women (20 percent) with severe preeclampsia develop HELLP syndrome. You may need medicine to control your blood pressure and prevent seizures. Some women may need blood transfusions. A blood transfusion means you have new blood put into your body.

If you have preeclampsia, can you have a vaginal birth?

Yes. If you have preeclampsia, a vaginal birth may be better than a cesarean birth (also called c-section). A c-section is surgery in which your baby is born through a cut that your doctor makes in your belly and uterus. With vaginal birth, there’s no stress from surgery. For most women with preeclampsia, it’s safe to have an epidural to manage labor pain as long as your blood clots normally. An epidural is pain medicine you get through a tube in your lower back that helps numb your lower body during labor. It’s the most common kind of pain relief during labor.

What is postpartum preeclampsia?

Postpartum preeclampsia is a rare condition. It’s when you have preeclampsia after you’ve given birth. It most often happens within 48 hours (2 days) of having a baby, but it can develop up to 6 weeks after a baby’s birth. It’s just as dangerous as preeclampsia during pregnancy and needs immediate treatment. If not treated, it can cause life-threatening problems, including death.

Signs and symptoms of postpartum preeclampsia are like those of preeclampsia. It can be hard for you to know if you have signs and symptoms after pregnancy because you’re focused on caring for your baby. If you do have signs or symptoms, tell your provider right away.

We don’t know exactly what causes postpartum preeclampsia, but these may be possible risk factors:

• You had gestational hypertension or preeclampsia during pregnancy. Gestational hypertension is high blood pressure that starts after 20 weeks of pregnancy and goes away after you give birth.
• You’re obese.
• You had a c-section.

Complications from postpartum preeclampsia include these life-threatening conditions:

• HELLP syndrome
• Postpartum eclampsia (seizures). This can cause permanent damage to our brain, liver and kidneys. It also can cause coma.
• Pulmonary edema. This is when fluid fills the lungs.
• Stroke
• Thromboembolism. This is when a blood clot travels from another part of the body and blocks a blood vessel.

Your provider uses blood and urine tests to diagnose postpartum preeclampsia. Treatment can include magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures and medicine to help lower your blood pressure. Medicine to prevent seizures also is called anticonvulsive medicine. If you’re breastfeeding, talk to your provider to make sure these medicines are safe for your baby.

Reviewed January 2023

Pathophysiology and Current Clinical Management of Preeclampsia

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as:

• Of importance

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Treatment and prevention of preeclampsia | Articles by EMC doctors on diseases, diagnosis and treatment

Preeclampsia, or severe preeclampsia, is a complication that occurs in about 4-5% of women during pregnancy. Pathology arises in the first trimester, and clinical manifestations occur most often after the 20th week.

Symptoms of pre-eclampsia

The key symptoms are high blood pressure (hypertension), excessive accumulation of fluid in the body (edema) and impaired kidney function (proteinuria). In addition, there are symptoms that may indirectly indicate the presence of preeclampsia – a sharp significant weight gain, headaches, nausea, blurred vision.

Causes of preeclampsia

To date, science does not know the true cause of preeclampsia. However, there are relative signs that may indicate a woman’s tendency to develop this condition.

Risk factors:

• under 19 or over 40;
• multiple pregnancy;
• chronic comorbidities, eg diabetes mellitus;
• high blood pressure before pregnancy;
• Pre-eclampsia in previous pregnancies;
• pathologies of the heart and blood vessels;
• heredity – the most recent research has identified a genetic factor in the predisposition to preeclampsia.

Classification of pre-eclampsia

There are several degrees of preeclampsia: mild, moderate and severe.

The severity is determined by several parameters (the so-called Zangemeister triad) – blood pressure, protein concentration in the urine and the degree of swelling.

We can talk about a mild degree with a small concentration of protein in the urine (up to 0.3 g / l), arterial pressure of 130-140 mm Hg. Art. and minor swelling.

The average degree is manifested by more serious symptoms: complications from the urinary system, protein concentration in the urine over 0.3 g/l and an increase in blood pressure up to 140/90-160/100.

Severe pre-eclampsia is characterized not only by worsening of the Zanggemeister triad (blood pressure above 160, high levels of protein in the urine and severe edema), but also by other associated complications, including headaches, blurred vision, heart and kidney failure in a woman, anemia, a decrease in the number platelets in the blood, fetal growth and developmental delay

A doctor may suspect a severe form even with minor changes in pressure and a small concentration of protein in the urine. For example, if an ultrasound scan reveals fetal malnutrition – a discrepancy between the weight and development of the fetus and the gestational age.

Diagnosis and prevention of preeclampsia in the EMC clinic

Early diagnosis of gestosis of pregnant women allows to stop complications. The EMC clinic is equipped with everything necessary for the comprehensive diagnosis of preeclampsia – a laboratory complex where you can perform any type of analysis, radiation (ultrasound, CT, MRI) and functional diagnostics (CTG) departments, comfortable modern hospitals. If necessary, you can get advice from doctors of any specialty and medical consultations.

We recommend that all pregnant women from an early date regularly visit an obstetrician-gynecologist and undergo examinations: measuring blood pressure, determining the level of protein in the urine, monitoring the dynamics of weight gain, coagulogram, complete blood count, ultrasound of the internal organs and the fetus throughout pregnancy.

In the first trimester, it is necessary to undergo screening: the presence or absence of a specific protein will show the woman’s predisposition to the development of preeclampsia. If necessary, an obstetrician-gynecologist can prescribe consultations of doctors of related specialties – a general practitioner, hematologist, ophthalmologist, endocrinologist, cardiologist and others. These are specialists who help to conduct a comprehensive diagnosis and reduce the risks of severe cases of preeclampsia. In the second trimester, it is recommended to undergo ultrasound screening to make sure that the development and growth of the baby is in line with the deadline. After 30 weeks, a pregnant woman should regularly come to the clinic for ultrasound, CTG and dopplerometry. In the presence of a genetic predisposition to preeclampsia, diseases of the cardiovascular, hematopoietic, endocrine systems, respiratory diseases and other pathologies, the patient will be managed not only by an obstetrician-gynecologist, but also by doctors of other specialties.

Treatment of preeclampsia at the EMC

clinic

Treatment of preeclampsia in the EMC clinic is carried out according to international protocols. The tactics of treatment is chosen individually after a comprehensive examination and, if necessary, a consultation. Mild preeclampsia can be corrected on an outpatient basis with a diet and a sparing regimen as prescribed by an obstetrician-gynecologist. For the treatment of moderate and severe preeclampsia, hospitalization will be required. EMC hospitals in Moscow have everything you need for effective treatment – comfortable wards and round-the-clock service that guarantee peace and relaxation, highly qualified doctors and nurses, operating rooms ready to receive a patient for emergency delivery at any time, adult and pediatric resuscitation for nursing children born ahead of time, access to the laboratory and diagnostic complex, consultations of doctors of any specialty.

causes and emergency care

Contents

• 1 Eclampsia and preeclampsia in pregnancy: how it occurs and how to provide emergency care
  • 1.1 Symptoms and diagnosis
  • 1.2 Risks and risk factors 90 018
  • 1.3 Effects on the fetus
  • 1.4 Complications
  • 1.5 Reducing the risk of eclampsia
  • 1.6 The role of nutrition in prevention
  • 1.7 Drug therapy
  • 1.8 Eclampsia emergency care
  • 1. 9 The role of the doctor
  • 1.10 Postnatal recovery
  • 1.11 Prognosis and consequences
  • 1.12 The importance of regular check-ups
  • 1.13 Related videos:
  • 1.14 Question- answer:
    • • 1.14.0.1 What is eclampsia and preeclampsia?
      • 1.14.0.2 What are the causes of preeclampsia and eclampsia in pregnant women?
      • 1.14.0.3 What are the symptoms of preeclampsia?
      • 1.14.0.4 How can eclampsia be dangerous to the health of mother and child?
      • 1.14.0.5 If symptoms of pre-eclampsia occur, what kind of emergency care is needed?

Eclampsia and preeclampsia are serious complications that occur in pregnant women. Learn why they occur and how to provide emergency care for these conditions.

Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia are serious conditions that can affect pregnant women and pose a threat to their health and life. Preeclampsia most often occurs after 20 weeks of gestation and is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. If preeclampsia is not controlled and left untreated, it can progress to eclampsia, which is life threatening for both mother and fetus.

The causes of preeclampsia and eclampsia are not yet fully understood. However, it is believed that these diseases occur due to problems in the vascular system of the uterus and placenta. Risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing preeclampsia are: the first pregnancy, maternal or fetal underarms, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, a family history of preeclampsia, and a number of others.

If eclampsia develops, the woman may experience seizures, severe headaches, visual disturbances, nausea and vomiting. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention to prevent complications and save the life of the mother and fetus.

Emergency care for eclampsia includes blood pressure control, administration of anticonvulsants to stop seizures, maintenance of oxygen and respiration, and delivery to save the life of the mother and fetus. Management of preeclampsia includes regular check-ups and follow-up with a doctor, blood pressure and protein levels in the urine, medication, and recommendations for weight control and diet.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia are serious complications of pregnancy that can lead to dangerous consequences for both mother and baby. Therefore, it is important to know and recognize the symptoms of these conditions in a timely manner to provide emergency care.

To diagnose preeclampsia and eclampsia, your doctor will do tests that include measuring your blood pressure, testing your urine for protein, and examining and measuring swelling. If you suspect the development of preeclampsia, an additional study of the level of liver enzymes and kidney function may be prescribed.

It is important to note that pre-eclampsia and eclampsia can progress very quickly, so if you develop suspicious symptoms, you should immediately contact your doctor for help and follow-up.

Risks and risk factors

Eclampsia and preeclampsia are serious complications that can occur in pregnant women. They pose a threat to both mother and child. There are a number of risk factors that can make you more likely to develop these conditions.

One of the main risk factors is hypertension – high blood pressure in a pregnant woman. If a woman was already diagnosed with hypertension before pregnancy, she is much more likely to develop preeclampsia. The risk also increases in women with previously normal blood pressure who have close relatives with hypertension.

Another important risk factor is maternal age. Pregnancy after age 35 is associated with a higher risk of developing preeclampsia. This may be due to age-related changes in blood vessels and the functioning of the placenta.

An important risk factor is the presence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease and immune system disorders. They can increase the chance of developing complications in pregnant women.

Risk factors also include hereditary predisposition, multiple pregnancies, low physical activity, stress and malnutrition. All of these factors can increase the chance of developing eclampsia and preeclampsia in pregnant women.

Effects on the fetus

Eclampsia and pre-eclampsia of pregnancy have a serious impact on the development and condition of the fetus. Disorders in the work of the placenta, which is one of the main manifestations of these diseases, lead to a lack of oxygen and nutrients that the fetus receives. Lack of adequate nutrition and oxygen can lead to intrauterine growth retardation, low birth weight, and other pathologies.

Maternal encephalopathy, which develops with eclampsia, can adversely affect the development of the fetal nervous system. Lack of oxygen and increased maternal blood pressure can lead to hypoxia and oxidative stress, which in turn can cause brain damage to the fetus.

In general, eclampsia and preeclampsia in pregnancy can have serious consequences for the health and development of the fetus. Therefore, it is important to diagnose and treat these diseases in a timely manner, as well as provide emergency care in case of complications, in order to minimize the negative consequences for the fetus and prevent the development of its pathologies and disorders.

Complications

Eclampsia and preeclampsia are serious conditions that can lead to various complications for both mother and fetus.

For the mother, complications may include hypertensive crisis, ruptured blood vessels, stroke, and damage to organs such as the liver and kidneys. In some cases, these complications can be fatal.

Fetal complications may include growth retardation, lack of nutrition and oxygen, premature birth, and even death. Many of these complications can have long-term consequences for a child’s health.

If you have symptoms or suspect pre-eclampsia or eclampsia, you should immediately contact your doctor for medical attention. Only a qualified medical specialist can assess the patient’s condition and take the necessary measures to prevent complications and protect the life and health of the mother and child.

Remember that pre-eclampsia and eclampsia are serious conditions that require urgent medical attention. Constant medical supervision, regular medical examinations and compliance with all recommendations of specialists play an important role in preventing complications and ensuring the safety of pregnancy.

Reducing the risk of eclampsia

Eclampsia is a complication of pregnancy characterized by seizures, high blood pressure and impaired kidney function. It can be dangerous and even fatal to the mother and fetus. However, following certain precautions can reduce the risk of developing eclampsia.

First, it is important to regularly monitor and control the condition of a pregnant woman by a doctor. Regular blood, urine, and blood pressure tests can detect early signs of preeclampsia and prevent its progression.

The third important factor is the maintenance of physical activity. Regular prenatal exercise will help strengthen your cardiovascular system and maintain normal blood pressure levels. However, before starting classes, you should consult with your doctor.

Another important preventive measure is to avoid stressful situations and constant emotional tension. A pregnant woman should strive for calm and peace, avoid conflict situations and negative emotions.

Finally, regular visits and adherence to your doctor’s recommendations, as well as knowing your condition and controlling your blood pressure, will help prevent the development of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, ensuring safe and prosperous motherhood.

The role of nutrition in prevention

Proper nutrition plays an important role in the prevention of preeclampsia and eclampsia in pregnant women. A balanced diet, enriched with all essential nutrients, is the basis of health and normal functioning of the body.

Important components of nutrition are proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Proteins are the building blocks of the body, and their lack can lead to poor tissue regeneration and metabolic disorders. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and nuts contribute to the normalization of the cardiovascular system and prevent high blood pressure.

Carbohydrates are a source of energy for the body and can be divided into simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates, found in sweets and fast carbohydrates, can lead to high blood sugar levels and adversely affect the condition of blood vessels. At the same time, complex carbohydrates found in vegetables, fruits, and grains are slowly absorbed by the body, providing long-lasting energy and helping to normalize blood sugar levels.

In general, a proper and balanced diet that combines all groups of nutrients and nutrients is one of the most important factors in the prevention of preeclampsia and eclampsia in pregnant women. A regular and healthy diet helps to maintain a normal body condition and prevent the development of complications during pregnancy.

Drug therapy

In the treatment of preeclampsia and eclampsia in pregnant women, various medications are widely used, which are aimed at improving the patient’s condition and normalizing her indicators. hemodynamics. One of the most commonly used drugs is magnesium sulfate. It effectively reduces the risk of convulsive seizures and improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system. Magnesium sulfate is usually administered intravenously or intramuscularly, depending on the severity of the patient’s condition. The dosage of the drug is prescribed by the doctor individually, based on the characteristics of the patient and her condition.

Another drug used in pre-eclampsia and eclampsia is diazoxide. This drug helps lower blood pressure levels and prevents seizures. Diazoxide is usually given as an infusion through a vein. Its dosage is also determined by the doctor, taking into account the characteristics of the disease and the patient’s performance.

Some antihypertensive drugs, such as methyldopa or labetalol, are also used to lower blood pressure. They help to improve the state of the cardiovascular system and increase the effectiveness of the treatment of preeclampsia and eclampsia.

Eclampsia emergency

Eclampsia is an acute and severe complication of preeclampsia that occurs in pregnant women. It is characterized by the appearance of convulsive convulsions and hypertonic states. In such a situation, the immediate assistance of medical personnel is necessary to prevent serious consequences for the mother and fetus.

First of all, if you experience signs of eclampsia, you should call an ambulance. Since the patient’s condition can quickly deteriorate, do not delay in contacting doctors.

When providing emergency care, physicians must monitor the patient’s blood pressure and ensure that it is lowered. It is important to find and eliminate the source of a possible reflex increase in pressure, if any.

Also, to reduce the risk of complications, urgent intramuscular or intravenous administration of magnesium sulfate is recommended. This substance helps prevent seizures and improve the general condition of the patient.

In the event of convulsions and respiratory failure, medical personnel must provide free access to oxygen and carry out the necessary procedures to restore normal breathing.

In addition, cardiac activity and intracranial pressure should be monitored. This will allow timely detection of possible violations and take appropriate measures to eliminate them.

The role of the doctor

The role of the doctor in the context of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia of pregnancy is the early detection and diagnosis of these conditions. The doctor should be attentive to the complaints and symptoms observed in pregnant women, such as increased blood pressure, swelling, abdominal pain and headaches. He should conduct a systematic review of baseline data, including urinalysis and measurement of urine proteins.

The doctor plays a key role in predicting and preventing preeclampsia and eclampsia. He must constantly monitor the condition of the pregnant woman, prescribe regular medications, such as drugs that lower blood pressure, and ensure the necessary supervision and control during pregnancy.

In addition, the doctor must receive patients in a timely manner and answer all their questions and doubts. He should be ready to provide pregnant women with all the necessary information about preeclampsia and eclampsia, explain to them their causes and ways to prevent them. The doctor must also be prepared to provide emergency care in the event of eclampsia, conduct emergency therapy and take measures to prevent serious complications of this condition.

Postpartum recovery

Postpartum recovery is the process of recovery of the female body after childbirth. During pregnancy and childbirth, the female body undergoes great changes, and after the end of pregnancy, it takes some time to recover.

One of the important parts of postpartum recovery is the reconstruction of the uterus. In the first weeks after childbirth, the uterus contracts and returns to its normal size. The process of this contraction is called “treatment of the uterus” and may be accompanied by slight pains in the lower abdomen.

The postpartum period also includes the recovery of the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles. Exercising and strengthening these muscles helps restore tone and support to the abdomen, and prevents urination and organ prolapse. Special exercises under the guidance of a doctor or physical therapist can help with this process.

However, postpartum recovery is not limited to physical aspects. It is also important to pay attention to emotional recovery. Many women experience postpartum depression or anxiety, and it is important to seek professional help if these symptoms occur.

In general, postpartum recovery takes from several weeks to several months. It is important to remember that each organism is individual, and the recovery rate may vary. Support and care from relatives and medical specialists will help a woman go through this period more comfortably and successfully.

Prognosis and consequences

The prognosis for pre-eclampsia and eclampsia depends on the severity of the mother’s condition, as well as on the effectiveness of the medical care provided. In most cases, with timely seeking help and proper treatment, the prognosis for the mother and child will be favorable.

However, if preeclampsia is not detected or treated properly, it can lead to serious consequences. The lack of blood supply to the placenta can lead to fetal growth retardation, prematurity, or even fetal death.

The mother may also experience serious complications such as pre-eclamptic encephalopathy, vascular ruptures, elective preterm delivery. In some cases, eclampsia can lead to hypertensive crisis, stroke, or even death of the mother.

Therefore, it is very important to seek medical help in time, especially when symptoms of preeclampsia appear, such as a constant increase in blood pressure, edema, proteinuria. Medical care must be provided immediately to prevent the development of eclampsia and minimize possible negative consequences for the mother and child.

The importance of regular examinations

Regular examinations of pregnant women are one of the important aspects of ensuring the safety and health of the mother and fetus. They allow timely detection and control of possible complications, including preeclampsia and eclampsia.

The main value of regular examinations is the early detection and control of the occurrence of preeclampsia. During examinations, the doctor checks the blood pressure of the pregnant woman, analyzes the condition of the fetus and monitors the level of protein in the urine. This allows timely detection of high blood pressure and proteinuria – the main signs of preeclampsia.

Regular examinations also allow you to assess the general condition of the pregnant woman, her psycho-emotional state and stress level. These examinations help specialists regularly monitor the changes and dynamics of the disease, which is important for deciding on the appointment of the necessary treatment and, if necessary, providing emergency care.

Regular check-ups also help inform the pregnant woman about possible complications and the specifics of her condition. Physicians can provide educational programs and advice on healthy lifestyles, nutrition, physical activity, and stress management. This helps pregnant women take a more responsible attitude towards their health and the puppy of the fetus.

Related videos:

Q&A:

What is eclampsia and preeclampsia?

Pre-eclampsia is a condition that occurs in pregnant women and is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Eclampsia is a severe form of preeclampsia that is accompanied by seizures and loss of consciousness.

What are the causes of preeclampsia and eclampsia in pregnant women?

The causes of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia are not clear, but it is believed that they may be caused by genetic predisposition, high blood pressure before pregnancy, placental abnormalities, immune and inflammatory responses, nutritional deficiencies, etc.