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Preecampsia is known as pregncancy-induced hypertension or toxemia. It is not something that you will know you have right away, it is generally developed and found in the later part of your pregnancy. Some symptoms of preeclampsia include a sudden onset of: high blood pressure, excessive swelling (that doesn't subside after 12 hours of rest), excessive weight gain, abnormal kidney functions, exaggerated reflex actions, rapid heartbeat, pain in the upper abdomen, blurred/double vision, headaches that are not cured or relieved by over the counter medications, and protein that is found in your urine. Preeclampsia can escalate to eclampsia if its not detected. Eclampsia is a much more serious condition which can result in seizers and other problematic effects. If Preeclampsia is not taken care of, it can cause other complications in your pregnancy that is not limited to but can include: premature delivery, intrauterine growth restriction, etc. Of all pregnancies, about 8% are diagnosed with preeclampsia. There are certain factors that can work against you when it comes to this condition such as a mother carrying multiple fetuses (twins or more), women over the age of 40, women with pre-exsisting high blood pressure, or Diabetes. If you are diagnosed with preeclampsia, your risk of this condition in future pregnancies is far greater. If you are diagnosed with preeclampsia, your doctor will recommend that you get an adequate amount of rest (this does not just include sleep, but actual rest. Like being lazy!!), monitoring of your blood pressure and the fetus. If you have severe preeclampsia, the doctor may want to induce you as soon as possible to eliminate health complications for your baby. There is no cure for preeclampsia but certain intravenous treatments can be given for short periods of time. Delivery will be the best option, as soon as the baby is physically mature enough. The most important thing as far as fetal development goes when delivering a baby that is premature is the lung development. Medications can be given to help speed the process of lung maturation while in the womb. Research is being done to hopefully one day detect if future mothers will likely have this condition through blood and urine analysis'. Although there is no specific prevention of this unfortunate condition, aspirin and other anticlotting drugs can reduce this risk but as always, consult your doctor first for your best needs.
*Information, knowledge and specific facts obtained from What To Expect When You're Expecting.
What else can I help you with?
What complication of pregnancy is characterized by convulsions and possibly coma?
Eclampsia is a serious form of preeclampsia, is characterized by convulsions and sometimes coma Treatment for this condition is delivery of the fetus.
Is preeclampsia hereditary?
While the exact cause of preeclampsia is unknown, there is evidence to suggest that genetics may play a role in predisposing women to the condition. Women with a family history of preeclampsia are at a higher risk of developing it themselves. However, there are also other factors that contribute to the development of preeclampsia, such as a woman's overall health and lifestyle.
How many cases of preeclampsia develop into eclampsia?
Eclampsia occurs in about 1 out of every 200 women with preeclampsia.
What is the prevalence of preeclampsia in ethnic groups?
African-American women have higher rates of preeclampsia than do Caucasian women.
What is most important about diagnosis of preeclampsia?
Most importantly, it is clear that careful monitoring during pregnancy is necessary to diagnose preeclampsia early.
Nursing diagnosis for preeclampsia?
Risk for injury related to preeclampsia. A nursing diagnosis for preeclampsia isn't really possible since we nurses can't practice medicine. We'll be assessing for clonus, epigastric pain, headache, etc. (Which are signs of impending eclampsia.)
What does a pregnant female who presents with hypertension indicate?
Preeclampsia.
What is the only thing that will cure preeclampsia is?
Child birth
What are the medical conditions preeclampsia and eclampsia?
Complications of pregnancy. In preeclampsia, the woman has dangerously high blood pressure, swelling, and protein in the urine. If allowed to progress, this syndrome will lead to eclampsia.
What is the latest research on preeclampsia and eclampsia?
Research is being done with patients in high risk groups to see if calcium supplementation, aspirin, or fish oil supplementation may help prevent preeclampsia.
Can preeclampsia developed before week 20?
Preeclampsia is typically characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organ systems, usually developing after the 20th week of pregnancy. However, if high blood pressure and related symptoms occur before this time, it is often referred to as "early onset preeclampsia" or can be classified as a different condition. While rare, some women may experience severe hypertension or related symptoms before 20 weeks, but these cases usually warrant further investigation for underlying issues. It's important for affected individuals to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and management.
Why a patient with preeclampsia is at risk of seizures?
A patient with preeclampsia is at risk of seizures primarily due to the development of severe hypertension and associated changes in the brain's blood flow and function. This condition can lead to the onset of eclampsia, characterized by seizures. The underlying mechanisms involve vascular endothelial dysfunction, increased vascular permeability, and potential cerebral edema, which can disrupt normal neurological activity. Therefore, careful monitoring and management of blood pressure and symptoms are crucial in these patients.
