It is estimated that as many as 70,0000 maternal deaths each year are caused by preeclampsia. This disorder only occurs during pregnancy and postpartum. Preeclampsia is a complication during pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure, which can lead to seizures, strokes, liver and kidney failure, and even death. Usually, this condition appears at the age of 20 weeks of pregnancy.
If you are diagnosed with preeclampsia during pregnancy, you face a challenge. It would be best to prevent complications from becoming more severe while buying more time to wait for the fetus to develop fully.
Definition
Preeclampsia is defined as an increase in blood pressure during pregnancy. This condition can be diagnosed if the systolic blood pressure reaches 140 mmHg or more and the diastolic blood pressure reaches 90 mmHg or more.
Symptom
Preeclampsia can be present during pregnancy with or without causing symptoms. The increase in pressure can occur slowly or suddenly. Apart from high blood pressure, there are other symptoms, such as:
- High levels of protein in the urine (proteinuria)
- Severe headache
- Vision changes, including temporary loss of vision, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light
- Abdominal pain at the top, usually under the ribs on the right
- Nausea or vomiting
- The number of urine decreases
- Decreased platelet levels (thrombocytopenia)
- Impaired liver function
- Difficulty breathing due to fluid accumulating in the lungs
Causes
Preeclampsia can arise involving many factors. Experts theorize that this condition originates in the placenta. During pregnancy, new blood vessels develop to transport blood efficiently to the placenta.
These blood vessels are believed to not form or function properly in women with preeclampsia. There are abnormalities in these blood vessels, such as their narrower shape than normal blood vessels and disturbing reactions to hormone signals, causing impaired blood flow.
Abnormal development of blood vessels can be caused by:
- Inadequate blood flow to the uterus
- Blood vessel damage
- Impaired immune system
- Genetic factor
Complications
A cesarean section is necessary if a medical condition requires a quicker delivery. Or the doctor will recommend a normal birth schedule according to the patient's condition.
The earlier and more severe preeclampsia is present during pregnancy, the greater the risk for the baby and mother. Some of the complications that can be caused by preeclampsia include:
- Premature birth. The doctor will suggest expediting the delivery to save the mother and baby, especially if the preeclampsia is severe.
- Placental damage. The damage can cause severe bleeding, which is life-threatening to the mother and baby. This condition occurs with a marked detachment of the placenta from the inner wall of the uterus before birth.
- Fetal development is stunted. Obstructed blood flow to the placenta in preeclampsia causes the fetus not to get enough blood, oxygen, and nutrients, so development is also hampered. This condition can lead to low birth weight or premature birth.
- HELLP syndrome. HELLP stands for Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes, and Low Platelets. This syndrome is more severe than preeclampsia and is life-threatening. Red blood cell destruction, elevated liver enzymes, and decreased platelet count characterize this syndrome. Usually, this condition causes symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, and right upper abdominal pain.
- Eclampsia. When preeclampsia is not managed properly, eclampsia can occur. If this condition occurs, the birth must be done as soon as possible.
- Other organ damage. Preeclampsia can cause kidney, liver, lung, heart, and eye damage, and even stroke.
- Cardiovascular disease. Women with preeclampsia are at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease in the future, especially if it has occurred more than once or has had previous deliveries.
How to prevent
If you have preeclampsia, it's important not to take any medications, vitamins, or supplements without your doctor's advice. Several studies have shown that taking vitamin D supplements is associated with a reduced risk of preeclampsia. In some cases, you can prevent the risk of preeclampsia by:
- Taking low-dose aspirin
- Taking calcium supplements
It is an obligation to prepare for self-health before pregnancy. For women who have previously been diagnosed with preeclampsia, it is recommended to maintain their weight and ensure that other conditions, such as diabetes, are managed properly.
To learn more about preeclampsia and if medical therapy is needed, immediately tell your doctor about your condition. Want to connect with the doctor while staying at home? Immediately download the Fitie application, which is available on the App Store and Play Store.