Preeclampsia

What Is Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of organ damage, usually affecting the liver or kidneys. It typically develops after the 20th week of pregnancy and can pose risks to both the mother and baby if left untreated. Early detection and proper management are essential to ensure a safe pregnancy and delivery. At Manasa Hospital, we specialize in comprehensive prenatal care to monitor and manage conditions like preeclampsia, ensuring the health and well-being of both mother and baby.

Causes & Risk Factors

The exact cause of preeclampsia is unknown, but certain factors increase the risk:

• First-time pregnancy or history of preeclampsia
• High blood pressure before pregnancy (chronic hypertension)
• Obesity or excessive weight gain during pregnancy
• Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.)
• Diabetes, kidney disease, or autoimmune disorders
• Age (more common in women under 20 or over 40 years old)
• Family history of preeclampsia

Symptoms of Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia can be silent, meaning some women may not experience symptoms. However, common warning signs include:

• High blood pressure (140/90 mmHg or higher)
• Severe headaches that don’t go away
• Swelling in the hands, face, or legs (edema)
• Blurred vision, light sensitivity, or seeing spots
• Shortness of breath or chest pain
• Nausea or vomiting later in pregnancy
• Decreased urine output
• Upper right abdominal pain (liver pain)

Potential Risks & Complications

If left untreated, preeclampsia can lead to serious complications, including:

• Preterm birth – Delivering the baby early to prevent complications
• Eclampsia – A severe form of preeclampsia causing seizures
• Placental abruption – The placenta detaches from the uterus prematurely
• HELLP Syndrome – A severe condition affecting the liver and blood clotting
• Organ damage (kidneys, liver, heart, brain)

Diagnosis & Monitoring

At Manasa Hospital, we use advanced prenatal screening to detect preeclampsia early:

• Blood pressure monitoring – Regular checks during prenatal visits
• Urine tests – To detect protein in the urine (a key sign of preeclampsia)
• Blood tests – To assess liver and kidney function
• Fetal ultrasound – To monitor baby’s growth and placental function
• Non-stress test (NST) – To track the baby’s heart rate and movements

Treatment & Management

The only cure for preeclampsia is delivering the baby, but treatment focuses on managing symptoms to ensure a safe pregnancy:

• Regular monitoring – Frequent prenatal visits and blood pressure checks
• Medications – To lower blood pressure and prevent complications
• Lifestyle adjustments – Rest, low-sodium diet, and proper hydration
• Hospitalization – For severe cases requiring close monitoring
• Early delivery – If the condition worsens, labor may be induced to protect both mother and baby

Preventing Preeclampsia

While it cannot always be prevented, these steps may reduce the risk:

• Maintain a healthy weight before and during pregnancy
• Monitor blood pressure regularly
• Follow a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals
• Stay physically active with doctor-approved exercises
• Take prescribed prenatal vitamins, including calcium and aspirin if recommended