Pre-eclampsia Save

Pre-eclampsia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Pre-eclampsia is a potentially life-threatening pregnancy complication that affects about 5-8% of pregnant women. It is characterized by high blood pressure and damage to organs, usually the liver and kidneys. Left untreated, it can lead to serious complications for both the mother and the baby.

Causes of Pre-eclampsia

1. Abnormalities in the blood vessels: Pre-eclampsia occurs when the blood vessels that supply the placenta are not functioning properly. This can lead to reduced blood flow to the placenta, which can cause damage to the placenta and other organs.
2. Autoimmune disorders: Some women with pre-eclampsia have autoimmune disorders that cause their immune system to attack their own tissues.
3. Genetic factors: Women with a family history of pre-eclampsia are more likely to develop the condition themselves.
4. Obesity: Women who are obese are at a higher risk of developing pre-eclampsia.

Symptoms of Pre-eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia can develop gradually or suddenly. Some common symptoms include:

• High blood pressure
• Protein in the urine
• Swelling in the hands and face
• Headaches
• Blurred vision
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pain in the upper right abdomen

If you experience any of these symptoms during pregnancy, it is important to contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Treatment of Pre-eclampsia

The only cure for pre-eclampsia is delivery of the baby. If pre-eclampsia is diagnosed before 37 weeks of pregnancy, your healthcare provider may recommend bed rest, medications to lower your blood pressure, and close monitoring of you and your baby. If pre-eclampsia is severe or if you are at risk of serious complications, your healthcare provider may recommend inducing labor or performing a cesarean delivery.

Pre-eclampsia can be a serious and life-threatening condition, but with proper medical care, most women and babies recover fully. If you are pregnant, it is important to attend all your prenatal appointments and to report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider.