Preeclampsia is one of the conditions that may develop during pregnancy. If left untreated, it can compromise the health of you and your baby. Here are a few facts about it that you need to know.lux-standart.ru
Preeclampsia
The condition is characterized by high blood pressure and protein found in the urine. High blood pressure can be dangerous on its own. Over time, it can lead to the deterioration of your organs including the kidneys. For a baby that is not fully developed, this condition in the mother can prove fatal. Let’s take a look at a list of
symptoms:
Symptoms:
Causes
Doctors aren’t sure what leads to preeclampsia. It can occur in women who do not have a history of documented blood pressure problems. Women who are pregnant and have a history of hypertension may be at a greater risk.
The onset can be sudden and swift. Getting prompt attention will determine its treatment and positive outcome.
Unfortunately, the only cure is delivery of the baby. After that, blood pressure levels usually return to normal. Your doctor may monitor your blood pressure for months. The most frustrating thing about this problem is that a woman may have had hypertension before pregnancy but didn’t know about it.
When doctors are sure that it is preeclampsia, their first priority is the health of both you and the baby. Since this condition can show up any time after 20 weeks, it could be that your baby is not at term or at a point in the pregnancy where delivery is advisable.
Complications
It may not be safe to allow the mother to proceed with the pregnancy. This doesn’t mean termination, it means delivering the baby at the latest date possible for survival. Preeclampsia can lower the amount of blood flow to the placenta. This lowers the baby’s oxygen and can lead to breathing problems and low birth weight.
Lack of blood can cause the placenta to separate from the uterine wall too early. This can cause hemorrhaging and possible loss of life to both mother and baby. That is why it is critical to work closely with your doctor through every stage of pregnancy.
Another serious condition called eclampsia, is a seizure disorder that can follow preeclampsia. The mother can go into a coma leading to brain damage and fatal consequences for both mother and child.
Doctors will do all that they can to lengthen your pregnancy to give baby a chance to develop properly. Because this condition is so serious, doctor’s orders may include total bed rest and blood pressure medication and monitoring for the mother. Also, corticosteroids may be prescribed to mature baby’s lungs before delivery.
When preeclampsia is suspected, it is wise to work closely with your doctor, following orders and instructions to the letter. This condition can be monitored and you can deliver a healthy baby, but only with proper care and a dedicated spirit to work very closely with your health care professionals.
Pic by Scott & Justine fromWyo.
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