Pregnancy is a very special time in your life when you are expecting to become a mother. At the same time, you need to take great care of your physical health during this time. Sometimes you hear about high blood pressure during pregnancy. So today we will talk about a very important condition related to it, preeclampsia . Don't be afraid, the most important thing is to be aware of this.
Simply put, preeclampsia is when you develop high blood pressure during pregnancy (usually after 20 weeks) or in the days or weeks after giving birth. It can sometimes affect organs like your liver and kidneys. But the good news is that most mothers with this condition give birth to healthy babies and make a full recovery.
What are the symptoms of this condition?
Sometimes your blood pressure can increase gradually, or it can suddenly increase without any warning . Surprisingly, some people may not experience any symptoms. That's why it's so important to have your blood pressure checked regularly during pregnancy, as directed by your doctor.
Symptoms of preeclampsia can appear from the second trimester. Some of these symptoms can also be seen during a normal pregnancy, so it is important to distinguish them.
| Symptom | What we need to know |
|---|---|
| Excessive protein in the urine (Proteinuria) | This is a sign that the kidneys are affected. This can be detected by a urine test done at the clinic. |
| Headache that does not subside despite taking painkillers | Be concerned if you have a headache that is different from a normal headache, is severe, or persists. |
| Pain in the upper abdomen or right side | This could be a sign of a liver problem. |
| Difficulty breathing | If you feel like you're having trouble breathing or are having a seizure, don't ignore it. |
| Vision problems (blurred vision, seeing dots, sensitivity to light) | These can be serious symptoms of preeclampsia. |
| Swelling of the face and hands | It's normal for your legs to swell a little during pregnancy, but if your face and hands suddenly swell, pay attention to it. |
| Nausea or vomiting | Although these are normal in early pregnancy, if they start again in the second half, tell your doctor. |
Most importantly: If you have one or more of these symptoms, please talk to your doctor. Don't delay.
When should you go to the hospital (ETU) immediately?
There are some symptoms, if they appear, you should immediately go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
- If it is very difficult to breathe
- If you have a severe headache that won't go away
- If you have severe pain in the upper abdomen or right side
- If your vision becomes blurry, you may see spots floating in front of your eyes, or you have a significant change in your vision.
Early-Onset Preeclampsia
This means that you develop preeclampsia before 34 weeks of pregnancy. Remember, the earlier this condition develops in pregnancy, the greater the risk of complications for you and your baby. Sometimes, you may have to deliver your baby prematurely.
Research has found that babies born to mothers who develop preeclampsia earlier in pregnancy may be smaller than expected. We call this fetal growth restriction (FGR) . Just as a plant grows poorly when it doesn't get enough nutrients and water, this condition can occur because the blood supply to the baby through the placenta is disrupted.
This baby is also more likely to have problems with the nervous system , heart and lungs, breathing, and blood.
The Apgar score given to a baby at birth may also be slightly lower. This measures the baby's skin color, heart rate, reflexes, muscle tone, and breathing. However, a low score does not always mean that the baby is in serious trouble. They may need a little medical help in the first few minutes of life.
People who develop preeclampsia earlier in pregnancy may experience the following:
- High protein levels in the urine: possibly as much as double.
- More serious condition: Blood pressure may be very high and may not respond to treatment.
Postpartum Preeclampsia
Yes, you heard that right. Sometimes these high blood pressure symptoms start after the baby is born. They are most common within the first week after delivery. But the risk can be there as early as 6 weeks.
The symptoms are similar to those experienced during pregnancy, but the baby is not affected. Mothers who develop high blood pressure after giving birth are at risk for:
- Stroke: Interruption of blood supply to the brain.
- Pulmonary Edema: This makes it difficult to breathe.
- Thromboembolism: A blood clot forms and blocks a blood vessel.
So, even after you have your baby, be very careful about any abnormalities in your body, especially the symptoms we discussed above. If you have any concerns, inform your doctor immediately.
Can't this be prevented?
Doctors still can't say for sure that there's a way to prevent preeclampsia 100% of the time. More research is being done on that. However, it helps a lot to be as healthy as possible before you get pregnant. That means eating a healthy diet, exercising, and not smoking.
If you have any risk factors, your doctor may recommend the following, only on your advice :
- Aspirin: After 12 weeks of pregnancy, your doctor may recommend taking a low-dose aspirin (81mg) daily. Only if there are any of the following risks:
- If you had preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy or if someone in your family had it.
- If you are pregnant with twins.
- If you have persistent high blood pressure.
- If you have kidney disease, diabetes, or an autoimmune disease.
- Calcium supplements: These may help prevent preeclampsia in women who do not get enough calcium before or during pregnancy.
Take-Home Message
- Preeclampsia is not something to be afraid of, but it is not something to ignore either. Awareness is the best defense.
- Attend your clinics regularly. Have your blood pressure and urine checked every time.
- Be aware of warning signs such as severe headaches, vision changes, upper abdominal pain, and difficulty breathing.
- If you have any doubts or symptoms, inform your doctor or midwife immediately. Never delay.
- Take care of your body even after you have a baby, as postpartum preeclampsia can occur.
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