Pre eclampsia is a very common condition seen during pregnancy. It is a condition that should be closely monitored and immediately treated because it is associated with a high degree of mortality not only to the mother but also to the baby. It can develop gradually during the course of the pregnancy or it may arrive suddenly anytime. It is commonly seen during the second half of pregnancy although it can occur during delivery or even during the first few days after the baby is born. The exact cause of pre eclampsia is still unknown. One possible cause is that the placenta does not get enough blood supply because the blood vessels particularly the arteries are the ones which are primarily affected. The placenta is the one which gives enough nutrition and oxygen to the baby. With insufficient blood flow the result is small or low birth weight baby. Other possible causes include poor nutrition, injury to the blood vessels, or lack of certain ions such as calcium and magnesium. Another danger with this condition is that it increases the risk of premature separation of the placenta from the inner lining of the uterus which may cause severe bleeding and can lead to shock. Signs and symptoms of pre eclampsia are: high blood pressure, presence of excess protein in the urine usually after the 20th week of pregnancy, changes of vision, severe headaches, nausea and vomiting which can be excessive, no urine or decreased urine output, pain in the right upper abdomen, and sudden weight increase in weight. The best treatment of this condition is delivery of the baby especially if the baby can live outside the mother’s womb which is usually after the 36th week of pregnancy. Labor can be induced or if not possible a cesarean section is performed. If is still too early to deliver the baby then other measures should be done while waiting for the right time to deliver. Bed rest is usually advised because it can lower the blood pressure and increase blood flow to the placenta. Blood pressure monitoring is regularly done together with biophysical profiles to determine condition of mother and baby. If the condition is severe, bed rest can be done in the hospital for better monitoring and immediate action can be done for any adverse events. Some medications can also be given to the mother to lower the blood pressure. Magnesium sulfate is also given IV during the delivery to prevent seizures and to increase blood flow to the uterus. Pre eclampsia is usually common in first pregnancy. The risk of having the condition increases in multiple pregnancy, obese mothers, too young and too old mothers, positive family history, and those who are suffering from other conditions like diabetes, chronic hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, or a kidney problem. Whenever you feel any of the symptoms mentioned while you are pregnant, do not hesitate to visit your doctor. |
