Complications - high risk
Pre-eclampsia
Pre-eclampsia usually develops during the second half of pregnancy, often in the later part or just after birth. Another term used to describe pre-eclampsia is toxemia or pregnancy induced hypertension. Pre-eclampsia causes the blood vessels to constrict or get smaller, and this makes it harder for the mother’s blood flow to support the fetus.
Signs of pre-eclampsia
- hypertension (high blood pressure)
- protein in the urine
- swelling (especially in face and hands)
- weight gain of more than 2 pounds in a week
In most cases, rises in blood pressure are mild. When the blood pressure gets high and stays high, it may affect the growth and weight of the fetus. Sometimes the baby is born prematurely. If there is no treatment or the symptoms do not respond to therapy, the mother may damage her kidneys, liver, brain, heart and eyes. Seizures are a sign that pre-eclampsia has become eclampsia. Eclampsia is a medical emergency - a potential life-threatening situation (for mom and baby) that needs intensive treatment, support and monitoring.
Women most at risk for pre-eclampsia
- First time mothers
- A woman whose mother or sister had pre-eclampsia
- History of high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease or migraines
- Age greater than 35 years
- Carrying twins or more
Symptoms you should NEVER overlook
- Bad to severe headaches
- Blurred vision, flashes in your eyes or double vision
- Pain just below the ribs
- Vomiting
- Decreased urination
- Swelling of your face, hands or feet that does not go away after resting
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
Treatment of pre-eclampsia
- bed rest
- increased fluids
- diet with good protein sources
- more frequent office visits (and home recording) to monitor blood pressure, urine protein and weight
- blood tests to check for kidney, liver and clotting function may be ordered if symptoms worsen
- fetal monitoring including kick counts at home, ultrasounds to observe for growth and non-stress tests (see monitoring your baby's well being).
- If symptoms become more severe, hospitalization with medications to decrease blood pressure and prevent seizures may be required. Since delivery is the only cure for pre-eclampsia, your clinician will consult with a perinatologist (an obstetrician who specializes in care of the mother and fetus) and a neonatologist (a pediatrician with a specialty in newborn care), to determine the optimal time for delivery.
