Has your doctor told you that you are at high risk of developing a condition called preeclampsia during pregnancy? The very mention of this name makes you feel a little scared and anxious, doesn't it? But don't worry. With the help of your doctor, facing this risk is not as scary as you might think. Let's find out more about this, so you can better understand it.
What is preeclampsia?
Simply put, if you have never had high blood pressure before, but your blood pressure rises above 140/90 mmHg after 20 weeks of pregnancy, this is a condition we call preeclampsia. Some people also call it toxemia. Since your kidneys are also under some strain at this time, your doctor will also check your urine for protein.
This condition can be harmful to both you and your baby. If not treated properly, it can damage your brain, kidneys, and liver. If it gets worse, it can lead to a condition called eclampsia , which can be life-threatening for both mother and baby.
But keep this in mind, if you attend every clinic your doctor prescribes, you can greatly reduce your risk of developing serious complications from preeclampsia. In fact, many pregnant women with preeclampsia go on to give birth to healthy babies.
Why am I at higher risk?
About 8% of pregnant mothers experience this condition. There are several factors that may increase your risk of developing preeclampsia. Let's take a look at what they are.
| Factors that increase the risk of preeclampsia | |
|---|---|
| If you have a history of these diseases : | |
| High blood pressure | If you had high blood pressure before you got pregnant. |
| During a previous pregnancy | If you had preeclampsia or high blood pressure during a previous pregnancy. |
| Other diseases | If you have diabetes or kidney disease. |
| Autoimmune Disorders | If you have diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, or lupus. |
| Other risk factors: | |
| Age | If you are young (e.g. under 20 years old) or over 40 years old. |
| Obesity | If your body weight was much higher than the recommended amount even before pregnancy. |
| First childbirth | If this is your first baby. |
| Multiple pregnancy | If you are carrying twins or more children in your womb. |
Can preeclampsia be completely prevented?
To be honest, there is no way to prevent this condition 100% according to current knowledge. But researchers are still looking into this. One study found that giving women at high risk a special diet containing the amino acid L-arginine and antioxidant vitamins reduced their risk of preeclampsia. Another study showed that women who were obese before pregnancy could reduce their risk by controlling their weight during pregnancy (by gaining less than 7 kilograms).
But remember this: Never start any new diet, medication, or vitamin without first consulting your doctor. Everything should be done only on medical advice .
So what else can I do to reduce the risk?
There are several things you can do to reduce the severity of preeclampsia. Keeping yourself informed about your symptoms can help your doctor start treatment sooner.
Go to every clinic.
The best and most important thing to do to keep you and your baby healthy throughout your pregnancy is to make sure you go to every clinic appointment your doctor tells you to. Then the doctor can check your:
- Blood pressure
- Blood tests
- Protein level in urine
- Baby's growth and weight gain
Keep monitoring things. If there is a problem, it can be identified early.
Keep an eye on your weight and blood pressure.
If you have had high blood pressure since before you got pregnant, tell your doctor on the first day of your clinic visit. Your doctor may also ask you to measure your weight and blood pressure at home and record it.
Things that help control blood pressure
To help control your blood pressure, your doctor may recommend taking extra calcium or low-dose aspirin. Again, these should only be taken if your doctor prescribes them. Also, turning to your left side when you sleep or rest can help blood flow. Also, pay attention to your diet. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Reduce your salt intake.
Is there a treatment for preeclampsia?
Yes, absolutely. If you have mild preeclampsia, your doctor will tell you to rest and not to exert yourself too much. In some cases, especially if you have severe preeclampsia, you may need medication, bed rest, or hospitalization for treatment.
Childbirth
The only way to completely stop preeclampsia is to deliver the baby . However, it can sometimes occur after you have your baby, or it can last for up to six weeks. To keep both you and your baby healthy, your doctor may decide to induce labor early. You may also need to take special medications to lower your blood pressure during labor.
Depending on your and your baby's health, your doctor may decide to deliver the baby by cesarean section instead of a normal delivery.
After childbirth
Because you had preeclampsia, you may need to stay in the hospital for a few more days than usual after giving birth. Your blood pressure should return to normal within a few weeks after giving birth. However, having preeclampsia during pregnancy can put you at risk of developing high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease in the future. That's why it's important to maintain a healthy lifestyle throughout your life.
Take-Home Message
- Preeclampsia is a frightening condition, but it can be managed well by following medical advice.
- The most important and best thing you can do is to definitely attend every clinic your doctor recommends.
- It is very important to know what risk factors you have and to talk to your doctor about them.
- Do not start any vitamin supplements, new foods, or medications such as aspirin without your doctor's advice.
- The only permanent solution to this situation is delivery. Your doctor will decide when is the best time to deliver to keep you and your baby safe.
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