Tag: preeclampsia

What is Pre-eclampsia?

As the name suggests Pre-eclampsia is a condition that pregnant women develop prior to eclampsia, if left undiagnosed it leads to eclampsia.  Pre-eclampsia is marked by persistent hypertension during pregnancy, decreased blood platelets, and increased protein in urine. Women with pre-eclampsia who experience seizures are considered to have eclampsia.

Why regular checkups are mandatory?

Pre-eclampsia is one of the major causes of maternal mortality and morbidity, stillbirths and death of newborns in first week. It usually appears after 20^th week of pregnancy in women who have not experienced high blood pressure before. However it mostly resolves by 6^th postpartum week. Few women don’t show the symptoms and therefore pregnant women should get regular antenatal check ups.

What are the symptoms of Pre-eclampsia:

Consult your doctor if you experience severe headaches, dizziness, reduced or no urine output, rapid weight gain, excessive nausea and vomiting.

What are the risk factors for Pre-eclampsia:

• Women with PCOS can be at risk for pre-eclampsia
• It is more common in women who are pregnant for the first time and also if there is greater interval between pregnancies.
• Pre pregnancy obesity
• Women with chronic kidney disease, insulin-dependent diabetics
• Women who are pregnant via IVF
• Those having a family history of pre-eclampsia.
• Stress and environmental factors such as living at a high altitude.

However, there are no concrete measures to predict the risk of Pre-eclampsia in women who are pregnant for the first time with no previous history of hypertension.Hence early detection with periodic frequent checkups helps in managing pre-eclampsia.

Preventive measures:

• Appropriate dietary calcium intake in women deficient with calcium reduces the risk of developing preeclampsia. However it is to be noted that calcium supplementation doesn’t treat preeclampsia.
• According to WHO guidelines use of Vitamin D in prevention of preeclampsia has been rejected as there is no sufficient data. However pregnant women need to make sure they get the recommended amounts of vitamin D during pregnancy.
• Use of Vitamin C and E supplementation for prevention of preeclampsia has also been strongly refuted.
• There are no substantial evidences proving link between high salt intake and preeclampsia nevertheless healthy dietary practices are recommended which includes dietary salt restriction.
• Health of women prior to pregnancy is vital in preventing preeclampsia. Maintaining optimal pre-pregnancy health may reduce risk of developing pre-eclampsia
• It is a suggested idea for women planning pregnancy to lose excess weight and be as healthy as they can. If they have diabetes or hypertension then proper management is recommended.

Note: Women should first consult their doctor before taking any supplements, vitamins or medications.

Long term implications: Women diagnosed with preeclampsia during pregnancy are at higher risk of developing hypertension and cardiovascular diseases later in life. Hence personalized diet and exercises should not be neglected.