Pre-eclampsia
POSTED August 23, 2010 - 16:59 | POSTED BY Anonymous
Last edited by Rakhi on August 23, 2010 - 17:00
Pre-eclampsia, a condition commonly referred to as pregnancy-induced hypertension is defined by high blood pressure and excess protein in the urine after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Although the only cure is to deliver the baby, the condition if left untreated can pose serious health complications for the mother and baby.
Causes
Although the exact cause that drives the condition is not clearly known, medics believe a combination of factors namely, impaired or insufficient blood flow to the uterus, damaged blood vessels, weakened immune system and poor diet play a crucial role.
Prevention
While there’s no known way to prevent preeclampsia, before conception and prenatal care are the key. Maintaining a healthy weight before conception, staying active and eating right can lower the risk of severe complications. Quit smoking, drinking and taking drugs.
When pregnant, cut down on salt intake; eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, grains, and calcium-rich foods. Keep low on saturated fat.
Symptoms:
While hypertension (high blood pressure) and proteinuria (excess protein in the urine) after 20 weeks of pregnancy are the hallmark of the condition, pregnant women may also experience bouts of severe headaches, nausea, vomiting and dizziness.
Upper abdominal pain, usually under the ribs on the right side and decreased urination, leading edema (swelling) of the hands and feet are also symptomatic of the condition.
Cures:
The ultimate cure for preeclampsia is abortion or delivery. Depending on the time when preeclampsia develops, early pregnancy or late pregnancy, the gynecologist advices a treatment plan.
If severe preeclampsia develops near the start of pregnancy, doctors may opt to terminate the pregnancy; however, if it develops near the end of pregnancy, delivery, either by induction or Caesarean section, is the obvious solution.
Meanwhile, doctors may recommend medications that help lower blood pressure until delivery. Besides drugs, mild cases of preeclampsia can be handled by taking a complete bed rest, as lying down position increases blood flow to the placenta.
