What Every Pregnant Woman Should Know About Preeclampsia

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

While Shakespeare wasn’t referring to pregnancy, these nine months change your life forever. Whether it is your first pregnancy, or you’ve been down this road, each pregnancy is different, and your body may react in different ways. In between poring through baby name books and picking out nursery décor, pregnancy can bring health concerns and changes in your body.

Some changes are uncomfortable, but completely normal. Others are red flags that something might be wrong with you or your baby. Sometimes, understanding the difference can be confusing. Swelling and headaches may be common pregnancy symptoms, but they can also be a sign of a much more serious condition.

Preeclampsia is a unique condition that only affects pregnant women. The exact cause of preeclampsia is still being researched, but the symptoms and effects are clear and dangerous. Affecting at least five to eight percent of pregnancies, it typically occurs in late pregnancy, and sometimes up to six weeks after delivery. Most women with preeclampsia are treated and deliver a healthy baby with a full recovery. However, some women experience life-threatening complications. Preeclampsia can escalate from mild to severe very quickly and can be difficult to diagnose.

History of Preeclampsia

It was not until the 18^th century that eclampsia was distinguished from epilepsy. It was believed that the seizures were caused by the body trying to get rid of the baby. The cause of these convulsions were studied for hundreds of years before the 1960s when more information was discovered through the study of the placenta.

Cause of Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia was once called “the disease of theories,” because the cause was unclear. While there are several theories surrounding the cause of preeclampsia, they all center on the placenta and most agree that women with hypertension, diabetes, or overweight mothers are more susceptible. Doctors and researchers are still working towards earlier diagnosis, prediction, prevention, and treatment.

What does preeclampsia do?

Preeclampsia affects blood flow to the placenta. The effects of this depend on when it shows up.

Before 37 weeks

Prior to 37 weeks, the baby is not healthy enough to be born, so preeclampsia must be treated and monitored closely. Most often, this means bed rest, medication, and sometimes hospitalization. Without proper care, it can cause brain injury, impaired kidney and liver function, blood clotting problems, fluid on the lungs, seizures and, in severe forms or left untreated, maternal, and infant death.

On or after 37 weeks

At this point, preeclampsia may show up in a routine blood pressure and urine test. However, because the baby is considered full term, the baby can be delivered healthy, the mother is monitored, and then both are sent home.

Symptoms of Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is an extremely serious complication of pregnancy, but many times goes undiagnosed because the symptoms are subtle and resemble normal pregnancy signs. Many women with preeclampsia do not feel sick at all. They carry their babies with relatively mild symptoms of high blood pressure or swelling. Being aware of the warning signs of preeclampsia can save both you and your baby from future complications.

The most common warning signs of preeclampsia are:

High blood pressure (hypertension)

High blood pressure is traditionally defined as blood pressure of 140/90 or greater, measured twice. Your blood pressure should be monitored at each well visit during your pregnancy.

Proteinuria

Protein in your urine is another sign of preeclampsia. This is another routine test that should be done at every appointment with your doctor. Even if your blood pressure is low, you may still have protein in your urine, which is a significant warning sign.

Swelling (Edema)

Some swelling is normal during pregnancy, but edema is the accumulation of fluid, and often is visible in your face and hands. If you notice excessive swelling, share your concerns with your health care provider so they can examine further for edema symptoms.

Headaches

Whether dull or severe, consistent and throbbing headaches that will not go away may also be a sign of preeclampsia.

Nausea or Vomiting

Morning sickness is generally associated with the first trimester of pregnancy. If you have a sudden onset of nausea or vomiting after midway through your pregnancy, it could be linked to preeclampsia.

Sudden Weight Gain

Weight gain of more than two pounds in a week may be attributed to damaged blood vessels that allow more water to leak into and stay in your body’s tissue, causing rapid weight gain.

Changes in Vision

This is the most sure and serious sign of preeclampsia. If you notice a sensation of flashing light, blurry vision, spots in your vision, or light sensitivity, contact your doctor immediately.

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