Pre-eclampsia - A Risk Factor During Pregnancy

Pre-eclampsia is a common medical condition which most women suffer during pregnancy. The mother-to-be may also have certain other complications such as disturbances in her vision, headaches and pain in the upper abdomen.

Being a multi-organ disorder, pre-eclampsia affects the brain, kidneys, lungs, liver as well as the uterus of the mother, thereby putting the baby also at risk.

In its severe form seizures may also manifest and that's when the disorder goes from pre-eclampsia to eclampsia.

THE HIGH RISK GROUP

• A woman who is in her fifth month of pregnancy is at risk as research shows that most women are diagnosed between the 20-24th week of gestation.
• A woman who is pregnant for the first time is 15 times more likely to develop pre-eclampsia than a woman who has had a normal pregnancy in the past.
• A woman who has had a normal pregnancy in the past but is now expecting her first child from a new partner is at a greater risk. This is because pre-eclampsia can be partner specific.
• A woman who is pregnant post 35 years of age.
• A woman suffering from other medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus, chronic hypertension, chronic renal failure, migraines and asthma.
• A woman with a stressful lifestyle.
• A woman who suffered from pre-eclampsia in her previous pregnancies.
• A woman with a family history of the condition.
• The risk factor increases with certain conditions such as multiple pregnancy, a post term pregnancy etc.

WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR
The symptoms will vary depending on the degree of severity of the condition. In mild preeclampsia, symptoms include:

• Elevated blood pressure.
• Small amounts of protein in the urine.
• Swelling of the hands, feet or face.

SYMPTOMS OF SEVERE PREECLAMPSIA

• Very high blood pressure.
• Large amounts of protein in the urine.
• Decreased urine output.
• Severe headaches.
• Disturbances in vision.
• Pain in the upper abdomen.
• Decreased liver function.
• Decrease in the blood clotting ability of the body.

DIAGNOSIS
A confirmed medical diagnosis is made by means of laboratory evidence. Some of them are:

• Increased liver enzymes.
• Low platelet count.
• Increase in plasma creatinine, uric add.
• Increased circulating flbrinongen.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES
For those who fall in the high risk group, certain preventatrve measures are suggested, such as:

• Weight control
• Restriction of salt in the diet
• Regular intake of calcum supplements
• Regular intake of anti-oxidants such as vitamin C and B.

PREECLAMPSIA TREATMENTS
For those who have already been diagnosed with the condition, the treatment will vary with the severity of the condition. In mild forms, treatment includes:

• Bed rest
• Anti-hypertensive medications.

In severe forms, treatment includes:

• Hospitalization while blood pressure is brought under control
• In cases where the condition becomes life-threatening the baby may have to be delivered before time.

POST DELIVERY
Since pre-eclampsia is a condition peculiar to pregnancy it disappears within 12 weeks post delivery.