This time when you are expecting a baby is the most beautiful time of your life. At the same time, you need to be very careful about your health and that of your baby during this time. Maybe your doctor has told you about the term "Pre-eclampsia", or you are just curious to know about it. Don't worry, this preparation is to simply understand this condition. Let's talk about it all.
Simply put, what are pre-eclampsia and eclampsia?
Pre-eclampsia and Eclampsia are two conditions that are associated with high blood pressure during pregnancy. Simply put, pre-eclampsia is when your blood pressure rises during pregnancy and you start to pass protein in your urine . Swelling, which can include swelling of the hands and feet, and swelling of the face (edema), can also be a symptom of this .
As the names suggest, these two conditions are related. If pre-eclampsia is not properly controlled, it can develop into a more serious condition called eclampsia . Eclampsia is when a pregnant woman develops seizures along with pre-eclampsia.
Both of these conditions usually occur in the second half of pregnancy, after 20 weeks . However, very rarely, they can occur shortly after delivery or even before 20 weeks.
Who is most at risk for this condition?
There are certain risk factors that can lead to pre-eclampsia. Check to see if you have one or more of these. But remember, not everyone with these factors will develop pre-eclampsia. And it can happen to someone without any of these factors.
| Risk factor | Description |
|---|---|
| First pregnancy | If it's your first baby, the risk is slightly higher. |
| Family history | If your mother or sister had pre-eclampsia during pregnancy. |
| Multiple pregnancies | If there is more than one baby in the womb, such as twins or triplets. |
| Age | If you are young (especially under 20 years old) or over 40 years old. |
| Existing medical conditions | If you have had diseases such as high blood pressure, kidney disease, or diabetes before pregnancy. |
| Other factors | If you smoke, are overweight (obesity), or suffer from malnutrition. |
How do we recognize the symptoms of this?
Even though your blood pressure may increase during pregnancy, you may not notice a big difference until it reaches dangerous levels. That's why it's important to go to the clinic every month to have your pressure checked . However, it's also important to be aware of these symptoms.
Think about it, we know that swelling in your legs is normal during pregnancy. But if your face and hands suddenly swell, it could be a sign of Pre- Eclampsia .
Pay attention to the symptoms in the table below.
| Symptom | This is how you feel. |
|---|---|
| Sudden weight gain | Weight gain of 1-2 kilos or more in a short period of time, like a week. |
| Swelling of hands or face | In addition to swelling of the legs, swelling of the hands or face. |
| Headache | Not a normal headache, but a severe, persistent headache. |
| Vision changes | Blurred vision, double vision, seeing things that look like lights flashing before the eyes. |
| Stomach pain | Pain, especially in the upper right side of the abdomen (where the liver is located). |
| Other features | Dizziness, ringing in the ears, nausea, vomiting, decreased urine output. |
Why is this situation dangerous?
Continuously high blood pressure during pregnancy is dangerous for both you and your baby.
- How it affects the baby: High blood pressure can prevent the placenta from getting enough blood. This can deprive the baby of the oxygen and nutrients it needs. This can lead to low birth weight and other health problems .
- How it affects you: As blood pressure continues to rise, your kidneys may become less efficient . Your blood may also change in composition. For example, red blood cells may be destroyed, causing anemia, liver function may be impaired, and the number of platelets, which help blood clot, may decrease. If platelets are low, you may bleed uncontrollably during childbirth or spontaneously.
If this condition worsens, you may have seizures. This is called eclampsia . This is a life-threatening emergency for both mother and baby. During the seizure, both you and your baby are deprived of oxygen. Even more dangerous is the high pressure that can cause the placenta to detach from the uterine wall (abruptio placentae). This can cause severe bleeding and even death for both mother and baby.
How do doctors diagnose and treat this?
Every time you go to the clinic, the doctor will measure your blood pressure . If your pressure is much higher than normal and a urine test detects protein, you will be diagnosed with pre-eclampsia.
In addition, your doctor will order several blood and urine tests . These will check whether your kidneys and liver are working properly, and whether you have any other blood problems (like low platelets). You may also need to have regular tests like ultrasound scans, non-stress testing, or biophysical profiles to check on your baby's well-being.
What are the treatments?
The only way to completely cure pre-eclampsia and eclampsia is to deliver the baby and placenta .
- If you are due: If your due date is close, your doctor may decide to induce labor and deliver your baby early.
- If you're still pregnant: If this happens too early for your baby to be delivered safely, your doctor will try to buy you time by treating you until your baby is a little older. You may be advised to rest in bed . Sleeping on your left side, in particular, can help reduce pressure on important blood vessels and improve blood flow to the kidneys and placenta. Medications may also be given to control your blood pressure.
- Hospitalization: Most mothers with pre-eclampsia are hospitalized. If they are not sent home, they will have to check their blood pressure daily at home or have a nurse come and check on them. If the condition is severe, you will definitely be hospitalized and given saline and medication intravenously. Magnesium Sulfate is often given to prevent seizures.
- Childbirth: If your blood pressure is too high to control, if you have a seizure, or if it is safe to deliver your baby, your doctor will deliver your baby. A cesarean section is not always necessary. In most cases, pain medication can be given to help with the pain. However, in some special cases, a cesarean section may be necessary.
What are the best times to see a doctor?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, immediately inform your doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency department (ETU) . Do not ignore these as they are normal.
| Warning sign | What to do |
|---|---|
| Seek medical advice immediately: | |
| If you notice sudden weight gain, swelling in your hands or face. | Call your doctor or go to the hospital immediately. |
| If you get a severe headache. | |
| If there is a change in vision (blurring, double vision). | |
| If you have severe stomach pain. | |
| If there is vaginal bleeding. | |
| If you notice dizziness, vomiting, or decreased urination. | |
| If you have a seizure or become unconscious. | This is an emergency. Take him to the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately. |
Take-Home Message
- Be sure to attend the clinic dates given during pregnancy. It is very important to check your blood pressure and urine for protein every time.
- Always be aware of warning signs , especially sudden swelling, severe headaches, and blurred vision.
- If you have any doubts or symptoms, tell your doctor immediately . Don't just assume, "This must be normal."
- Pre-eclampsia is not something to be afraid of, but it is something to be concerned about . This condition can be well managed with proper medical supervision.
- The ultimate goal is a healthy mother and a healthy baby. Doctors will do everything necessary for that. You should support that too.
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